Come along and celebrate Harmony Day at Ashfield’s Carnival of Cultures 2016, taking place at Ashfield Park on Sunday 20 March, from 10am to 4pm.

The Mayor of Ashfield, Lucille McKenna OAM said the Carnival is Ashfield Council’s flagship community event attracting thousands of visitors each year.

“I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate our wonderfully diverse and vibrant local community than at Carnival of Cultures. It’s a wonderful day of fun and entertainment for the whole family,” Mayor McKenna said.

“We’ll also have a wonderful array of international food and market stalls, including The Blak Markets, which will showcase colourful indigenous arts and crafts from La Perouse to the Torres Strait.

“There’ll be creative and cultural workshops, a free native plant giveaway for local residents (with proof of address),  as well as free activities for the kids to enjoy including pony rides, face painting and a giant slide.

“We will also be holding a Citizenship Ceremony on the day, showcasing a great program of cultural dance and local music, and I’m certain the Street Uni hip hop and RnB stage will not disappoint!

“With something for every member of the family, I would really encourage our community to come along to Ashfield Park and join in the fun celebrations and activities on offer for Harmony Day,” she said.

Public transport to the Carnival is encouraged. Free, accessible shuttle buses will be running regularly from the Ashfield Civic Centre to the event. Alternately, those who cycle to the Carnival can use the free bike valet service and will go in the draw for a prize.

Council would like to thank all the Carnival Sponsors: Wests Ashfield Leagues – Gold Sponsor, LJ Hooker Ashfield – Silver Sponsor, Ashfield Mall – Bronze sponsor ; Inner West Courier, 2RDJ, C!ao, La Fiamma , Vision China Times and Indian Link – Media Partners; and Ashfield Bowling Club, Noffs Foundation, EcoDesign ecoPrint, The Street University and Festival Hire – Event Partners.

Main Stage

MC Linda Jaivin

10.00 – 10.30 Reiko Azuma Trio – feel good Jazz Bossa to start the day

10.45 – 11.15 Ashfield Boys High School Stage Band

11.30 – 12.15 Cultural Dance Showcase, featuring highlights from Council’s weekly

12.30 – 12.45 Official Opening , with The Yamma Boys dance troupe

1.00 – 1.30 Chasing the Dreams, featuring Maria Wang on Guzheng Harp

1.45 – 2.15 Green Mohair Suits – a blend of folk, country, bluegrass and Americana

2.30 – 3.15 Archie Roach – iconic Australian singer, songwriter, musician and

3.30 – 4.00 Cook Islander Community musical/dance performance

Second Stage

10.30 – 11.30 Citizenship Ceremony

1.00 – 4.00 The Street University Presents a showcase of Hip Hop & RnB

Bowling Club

1.00 – 4.00 DJ Nic Dalton plays his favourite records