One of Queanbeyan’s most popular festivals is coming back mid-year. Photos: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
A new date has been locked in for a celebration of the people and cultures that make up Queanbeyan.
Poor weather forced the postponement of this year’s Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival the day before it was to go ahead.
In a statement late on 27 March, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) said a powerful low-pressure system moving across much of southern NSW had forced its hand.
“Following days of heavy rain and with significant winds predicted for later today, Queanbeyan Town Park is not a safe venue to bump in and host the multicultural festival tomorrow,” it said.
“Unfortunately, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and our partners Queanbeyan Multicultural Centre have had to make the decision to cancel the event tomorrow.”
The festival will now be held on 20 June, which is also World Refugee Day.
“It is the most suitable option for us and our partners, Queanbeyan Multicultural Centre, who coordinate performers for the multicultural festival,” a council spokesperson said.
“We hope that all previously booked stallholders will be able to attend. Our goal is to include and rebook everyone as originally planned.
“If required, we may reopen applications for the new date, based on the availability of previously confirmed stallholders and performers.”
Multicultural Hub Canberra and Queanbeyan executive director Zakia Patel said the festival was an opportunity to showcase and share the rich and diverse communities that Queanbeyan was brimming with.
“We are proud to continue this wonderful partnership with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and [are] looking forward to 20 June!” she said.
“The festival will highlight the incredible vibrancy, food, culture and celebrations and we look forward to seeing everyone come along!”
QPRC Mayor Kenrick Winchester says the festival showcases music, food and performances from around the world.
The council spokesperson also confirmed that any stallholders who could not be accommodated by the new date would be refunded.
“We hope that all the stallholders will be able to attend the new date, and they won’t need to repay any fees.”
Further information is expected to be released closer to the date, with stallholders and performers set to be contacted after Easter with further details about the new scheduling.
“There is some additional work to book in all the required supporting elements that make the festival possible, but now that we have a confirmed date, we hope to be able to move all the existing plans and bookings for the festival to the new date,” the spokesperson said.
QPRC Mayor Kenrick Winchester welcomed the new date.
“Unfortunately, we had to postpone the event on Saturday, 28 March, but I’m really looking forward to the festival and hopefully we get a beautiful June day for this family-friendly event,” he said.
“This vibrant celebration of diversity and cultural heritage is a cornerstone of our multicultural community, and we are excited to bring everyone together for a day of music, food, performances and connection in Queanbeyan’s award-winning park.”
The rescheduled Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival will be held on 20 June. More details are available on the council’s website.
