EMILY STEIN
The vibrant international community inundating the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games is being reflected in a street festival running alongside the event.
But the 2018 Commonwealth Games’ mantra of international community and comradery, is shown not only in the friendly sporting competition but also in the festivities around the Gold Coast.
Local and international talent were showcased in Thursday night’s CBD street party in Southport, with the support of the Gold Coast City Council and Griffith University.
Gold Coast speed art performer Anthony Pieters has been amazed at the crowd that the games has created.
“I have people from all over the world able to see my art and I’m able to meet so many new people that have followed their countries, it’s a mashup of cultures and that’s really cool,” Mr Pieters said.
Some international artists made the trip to the Gold Coast especially for the opportunity to perform alongside the sporting action.
Caleb Hart, a Canadian solo artist has made time in his tour to perform at Thursday and tonight’s performances.
Since taking a break from his band Tasman Jude in 2016, Caleb has performed on multiple tours around the world engaging with his international ‘family’ at every venue.
“I don’t have fans,” Hart said. “As I sing in my music, we are a family, I come to Australia and this is my home as much as Canada is and as much as my home country of the Trinidad and Tobago islands in the Caribbean.
“If I’m not cheering for the islands and I’m not cheering for Canada, I’ll be proudly wearing green and gold for my Aussie family”.
Inclusive community is one of the biggest themes running through this year’s Games, with the Gold Coast Festival featuring many international artists including United Kingdom artist Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, a mesmerizing seven metre detailed floating replication of the Earth’s moon.
The nightly spectacle will continue throughout the Games and the CBD street party will be back again tonight featuring Caleb Hart.
For information about times and locations go to http://www.gc2018.com to keep up to date.