Diversity will be on display and celebrated at the University of New England’s Culture Fest, on again at Civic and Curtis Parks on Friday the 10th of March.
UNE’s Culture Fest is a free annual event that showcases the rich diversity of the Armidale region. This year UNE has partnered with the New England Regional Arts Museum, the Armidale Regional Council, and the NSW Government to create a lively celebration of community and culture.
This year UNE’s international students will be involved in the event, allowing them to share their culture with the wider Armidale community. Organiser Alex Cook came on board with UNE’s International Student Office in 2019 and has been instrumental in making Culture Fest what it is today.
“The inspiration behind it continues to be the international students studying at UNE.”
“The intention is to help foster in those students a sense of belonging to the wider community,” Alex said.
This year’s Culture Fest will include live music from local artists Fergus James, Charlie Fittler, and the Chilli Jam, as well as food stalls and pop-up bars. These international food stalls will be run by UNE students and will provide free samples to the community along with a bowl for you to keep. There will also be food trucks where attendees can purchase meals.
NERAM will be organising an art tent for kids, which will include activities like circular weaving and paper windsock creating. All materials will be provided – and adults are welcome to join in the fun. There will also be a jumping castle and fireworks in the evening.
“My hope is that people have a good time, people have a fun time, people celebrate and dance and meet new people, and learn new things maybe, or be exposed to something different.”
“It’s been a really long time since we’ve been able to do that, and I think it’s going to be really nice to just bring people together again,” Alex said.
UNE’s Culture Fest will run from 5pm until 9pm at Civic and Curtis Park in Armidale on Friday the 10th of March. Entry is free.
For more information visit https://www.une.edu.au/connect/events/events/culture-fest or contact culturefest@une.edu.au
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