Fun and Festivities to take over Bunbury at the South West Multicultural Festival

Colourful costumes from many countries and walks of life are set to dazzle Bunbury’s Bicentennial Square at the South West Multicultural Festival this month.

The event will commence on Friday, February 23, at 6:30pm with two performances in the lead-up to a jam-packed day of entertainment and activities on Saturday, February 24.

A free performance in Bicentennial Square will kick off festivities with the Black Brass and Irish Session at 6:30pm followed by the Wakanda Comedy Night, a ticketed event at the Rose Hotel at 8pm.

The spectacular events will be held at four different venues to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the region and there will be something for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Festival highlights will include the Wakanda Comedy Night featuring a line-up of WA’s funniest Multicultural Comedians, The Noongar Choir guided by Charmain Councillor, ACTS multicultural choir, an Irish Session, dance performances and workshops.

Family friendly options include a Sensory Chill Zone available from 3pm to 8pm on February 24 as well as puppet workshops.

The day will be topped off at 6pm with a heart-warming Flag Parade showcasing more than 40 flags from different countries where the community can participate.

Producer and performer with the Wakanda Comedy show Victor Adeseolu, stage name Vicolo, shared that comedians from Africa will be performing some comedy on the night and the line-up will include a music performance by Danny Lanke from Nigeria.

“On the night you’re going to hear a lot of stories of how they have been able to settle in Australia and how Australia has been able to accept them, also their challenges and successes. It will be a night of laughter and sharing stories” Mr Adeseolu revealed.

Mr Adeseolu is excited to bring the act to Bunbury for the first time as he has been involved with drumming, dancing and cultural engagement for more than 10 years.

As an ex-Bunbury resident he is excited to create another audience for the performers with the aim of using humour and laughter for people to learn about different cultures in a non-judgmental space.

“Being accepted to perform in the festival shows that we are breaking down barriers and transforming the way people think about different cultures,” he said.

Director and co-ordinator Jo O’Dea said she has been working the Bunbury Multicultural Group to create their events for more than five years and one of the biggest themes is to encourage a sense of belonging for all so that everyone feels like they belong.

“The biggest highlight for me with the festival is the diversity and the celebration. It really is about pulling together the community and seeing how many different cultures actually work and live in the area,” she said.

Ms O’Dea said it’s a real indication of social cohesion being encouraged and supported with the sharing of art culture and food.

“Preparations are going well. We co-ordinate the event with 300 people recruited to present the event. We usually have about 5000 people come through during the day,” she said.

For more information visit bunburymulticulturalgroup.com.au