A preview of the next Parramasala food and cultural festival which be showcased at the spring series finale of Eat Street Vibes on Saturday 5 November, from 11am to 4pm.

Along with a selection of sweet and spicy food from local restaurants, Parramatta’s famous Eat Street will be bustling with workshops including henna tattooing and Afghan kite-making, jewellery and textile stalls, a 9D Cinemax virtual reality ride and dance performances from Peru, Cook Islands and Bollywood-inspired acts.

Parramasala’s new mascot – an illuminated six metre tall inflatable creature – will be revealed and people can enter a social media competition to give it a name. Created by artist Vipoo Srivilasa, the mascot represents the coming together of many cultures in a harmonious and friendly way.

“We are very excited to bring a small taste of Parramasala to Eat Street Vibes ahead of the festival next March. It’s an opportunity for Council to further cement our support of the event as a leading cultural celebration in Western Sydney,” City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick said.

Parramasala, one of the biggest celebrations of cultural diversity in NSW, will be held during Multicultural March, from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2017, thanks to a multi-year funding arrangement between the State Government and City of Parramatta Council.

Parramasala Festival Director Di Henry said plans for the March event were already well underway.

“Parramasala 2017 will be bigger and better than ever with music, dance, film, art, food and new elements in Prince Alfred Square and along the river foreshore.”

“We’re excited to be part of Eat Street Vibes on Saturday 5 November, which will give all the Parramasala fans a chance to get just a little taste of the event before the big gig in March and we’re particularly excited to introduce the new Parramasala mascot to everyone,” Ms Henry said.