‘CARNAVAL’ COMES TO BRISBANE: PREMIER

From their roots in Northern India, through the near East, the Balkan countries of Eastern Europe and down into Andalucía in Southern Spain, the rich culture of the gypsies has lifted the spirits.

Premier Anna Bligh said Queenslanders from these and many other countries across the globe will singing, dancing and entertaining at tomorrow’s Queensland Multicultural Festival.

“This is an important celebration of diversity in the Smart State – and it’s a free day out for the whole family,” Ms Bligh said.

“I want as many Queenslanders as possible to experience and share our rich cultural diversity because it’s a feature of modern Queensland we are proud of,” she said.

“That's what Sunday's activities are all about – sharing our talents, promoting understanding and celebrating our rich diversity.”

Activities kick off in Roma Street Parkland at 9am and run until 7pm.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Lindy Nelson-Carr said this year’s big event was a sign of how multicultural Queensland had become.

“It’s the biggest community celebration of its kind and it’s a wonderful celebration of our modern, multicultural outlook,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Come along and listen to the music, sounds and lore of the gypsies – it’s nothing short of vivacious and will be on show along with so many rich cultures throughout the day,” she said.

“They’ll be joining a big procession which culminates in a Colombian-style Carnaval celebration which will be nothing short of incredible as Gypsy and Latino cultures come together.”

Performers from nine cultural groups will be taking part in the procession which starts at 2pm.

This will be the 4th annual Queensland Multicultural Festival which to date has attracted a total of some 120,000 since its inception in 2004.

The Festival was developed by the Queensland Government to highlight the importance and values of cultural diversity.

As well as the main event, the activities include tonight’s youth rock concert.

“Uppin' the Amphi at Roma Street Amphitheatre tonight is a new component of the Festival and includes Brisbane art-rock combo The Red Paintings along with five multicultural acts and a DJ,” said Minister Nelson-Carr.

Highlight's on Sunday include:
• Showcase of the Premier's Multicultural Photographic Award exhibition of winners from 2004 to 2006.
• Spectacular Spanish dancer Yolanda Fernandez (has performed for
the King of Spain) and dance group Oye Ritmo
• Bobby Flynn, Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier - headline acts on
the main stages
• Family Festival - with join-in dance and martial arts
• performances, face painting, lion dances and martial arts displays plus free workshops.
• QUT Community Dance Stage - traditional and contemporary dance
from India, Sierra Leone, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Cook Islands and Burma
• Zambiacongo Capoeira Group - displaying non-combative Brazilian
martial art forms in roving performances throughout the day
• Diverse Deli - more than 35 International food stalls and cafes
scattered through the Parkland.

Festival information is online at www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Saturday 13 October 2007