SARA WECKERLE
Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Broadwater Parklands on Sunday August 6th to celebrate the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival.
The annual event showcased more than 50 stalls of international food, arts and crafts, and information booths as well as children’s rides and activities.
Representative for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Chris Whiting addressed the crowds in the opening ceremony.
“August is the month for multiculturalism in Queensland and what better way to celebrate than with the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival,” Mr Whiting said.
“This celebration is now a significant event on the Gold Coast Calendar and is growing to become (one) on the Queensland Calendar.”
President of Queensland Cultural Events Association (QCEA), Ben Brauer is proud of how the festival has grown over the last decade.
“Per latest statistics, 29% of the Gold Coast residents were born overseas and so the festival is really aimed at celebrating their cultures, but also to educate and unite the entire community.” Mr Brauer said.
This year’s highlight performance was The Voice finalist, Lucy Sugerman who headlined diverse international acts from around 35 countries on three stages.
PR and Media Relations Officer of QCEA, Tulloch Myrianthopoulos was pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
“This is my first year helping to organise the festival and I loved the atmosphere and array of food and people that came,” Mr Myrianthopoulos said.
“The weather was great and I’d love to come back next year with my family and enjoy it again and try a lot more food and entertainment.”