Harmony Fest celebrations in full swing

If you have not yet had a chance to partake in Ballarat’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity, all is not lost.

Harmony Fest has already been a brilliant celebration of all the different cultures that make Ballarat such a vibrant and welcoming intercultural city, but there is still plenty left to round out the festival.

Among the events already celebrated during Harmony Fest have been the launch of the new Ballarat Chinese Heritage Trail Brochure, a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony, daily musical performances in Sturt Street, Baha’i New Year, plus Passata and Pasta making demonstrations.

Harmony by the Lake, the free community picnic that is the flagship event as part of the 12-day festival, will be celebrated this coming Sunday, 24 March at Lake Wendouree.

With music, dance, and activities for families, all are encouraged to pack a chair and a picnic blanket and enjoy the day at View Point.

Other events still on the agenda for the coming days will be the:  

• Barkly Square Global Market (Friday 22 March, 4pm-8pm)
• Holi Festival of Colours (Saturday 23 March, 10.30am-3pm)
• Flavours of India – Indian Food Festival (Saturday 23 March, 6pm-9pm)
• Chinese Library Tour (Saturday 23 March, 11am and 1pm)
• Welcome Morning Tea and launch of the Intercultural Directory (Wednesday 27 March, 10.30am-12pm)

Attending the Harmony Day Flag raising on Thursday, City of Ballarat Councillor, Belinda Coates said it was the incredibly rich cultural diversity that makes Ballarat such a wonderful place to call home.  

“Every year for Harmony Fest I am incredibly proud to see Ballarat come together and celebrate all the different cultures in our city,” Cr Coates said.

“Ballarat is changing so much and it’s incredible to see so many different cultures flourishing and continuing to add to our rich tapestry.

“Harmony Fest has already been a fantastic celebration, but there is still plenty on offer over the next few days to draw a brilliant festival to an end.”

Harmony Fest is designed to align with Harmony Day, the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is celebrated on 21 March. The day encourages Australians to come together to reflect on and celebrate the many cultures that create our great nation.  

To view the full program and see more information about upcoming events, visit the City of Ballarat website.