A CULTURAL FEST FOR THE SENSES
A FESTIVAL originally scheduled for last March will hit the beach on what is forecast to be a scorcher on Friday.
The Multicultural Festival planned by Hobart Twilight Market and the Multicultural Council of Tasmania will fuse a diverse range of activities and performances including a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, Lion and Dragon Dance, Beat Latina, Taiko Drummers and Bhangra Arena at Long Beach, Sandy Bay.
MCOT CEO Duncan Spender said attendees can celebrate Tasmania’s diverse mix of cultures in the sun right next to the beach. “We think the line-up showcases a great range of Tasmanian talent,” he said. Mr Spender said the festival was especially important after discrimination against people from different countries had been on the rise and economic hardship had befallen temporary residents and the arts sector.
“Not only is it great to have reasonably recent Tasmanians mingle with the rest of Tasmanians, but it’s
great for Tasmanians who have been in the state for generations to share different experience,” he said.
Vaidehi Hardikar and her husband moved to Tasmania from India 13 years ago. The trained classical dancer will perform a traditional Indian folk dance.
“Even just the different costumes and the artforms people will present will be a real showpiece so it’s a great way of learning about a variety of cultures and maybe even get involved yourself,” she said. Performers will be on stage from 4.30 to 9pm this Friday at Long Beach.