Hindmarsh Park will be a sea of colour and full of delicious flavours next Saturday when the inaugural Kiama Culture Fest celebrates the diversity of our multicultural society.
The landmark 10 October event, backed by funding from Multicultural NSW, will feature family-friendly fun whichever way you look.
There will be a free entertainment program from 11am-5pm featuring live performances, hands-on workshops, a Global DJ day disco, activities and play zones, face painting, henna, an outdoor library, a foam colour run and much more.
A lion dance performance as well as Aboriginal, Irish, Peruvian, Bollywood dancing will light up the Orry-Kelly Stage.
If you are keen to gain new skills, you can learn how to make naan bread, create mosaic paper plates, Turkish tile paintings, Indigenous shell art, German watercolour arts and Spanish folding fans, as well as how to crochet.
And bring your appetite because there will be mouth-watering dishes served up at the festival with traditional Indian flavours from By The Sea and JJ's Indian restaurant, Turkish-inspired street food from Saltwater Cafe, Mexican fare provided by Kiama Leagues Club, Asian fusion takeaway buns packed with flavour from Uncle Fukus and sweet and savoury delights from the Macedonian Welfare Association.
A shuttle bus service will run throughout the day from 11am to 5pm so that festivalgoers can park at the Kiama Leisure Centre.
After the official opening of the festival, the Gadhungal Marring Corroboree has the honour of kicking off the on-stage performances with the dance, music, song and storytelling combining to celebrate culture, identity and connection to Country.
When the Lion Dance & Percussion Finale wraps up the program at 5pm, you can keep the party going. Catch a belly dancing show at Saltwater Cafe and Global DJ at By The Sea Takeaway until 7pm.
Helen Demertzis (Kiama Council Events Lead), Resul Can Catur (Saltwater Cafe), Gurpreet Kaur (JJ's Indian Restaurant), Jeremy Prangnell (African Drum Creations), Deva Alphons Saji (JJ's Indian Restaurant) and Mayor Cameron McDonald.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said he could not wait to experience the sights and sounds of the festival.
"Events like Culture Fest are an important part of Kiama's cultural calendar and Council is proud to partner with the Multicultural NSW and the State Government so that we can come together for a day of celebration on 10 October," he said.
Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said: "I am incredibly proud and excited to see the Kiama Culture Fest kick off to celebrate the diversity of cultures across our region.
"Our multicultural and diversity is our strength. I'm so proud to be part of a community that celebrates different cultures and I urge everyone to get down and get a dose of culture in the middle of Kiama and join the fun and celebrations."
For full programs and details, visit www.kiama.com.au/kiama-culture-fest.
The amount awarded to Kiama Council for the event is $82,500 from Multicultural NSW.
This event is funded by the NSW Government.
