The Orange Harmony Festival is set to celebrate multiculturalism in our city by highlighting the theme Everyone Belongs.
A range of events will be held that focus on group engagement, inclusiveness, celebration of diversity, dignity and belonging.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell is looking forward to the event returning to Orange in 2024.
“This annual celebration attracts hundreds of people and is always a really fun afternoon for the whole family,” Cr McDonell said.
“The theme this year, Everyone Belongs, is important as we acknowledge our diversity and the significant contribution of Australians from all different backgrounds.”
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said the Harmony Festival and the theme were a great expression of the city.
“We come from many different backgrounds but we are one community,” he said.
Harmony Day is celebrated across Australia on Tuesday 21 March to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Orange, Harmony Day will be held on Saturday 13 April to coincide with the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the school holidays.
This year the festival will include:
– Together in Harmony Garden Party – Friday 1 March from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Orange Adventure Playground.
The Garden Party includes cultural performances in traditional dress together with opportunities for each multicultural group to speak about their culture. Multicultural food will be served. Thirty-four multicultural groups have been invited to this activity.
– Harmony Cup Soccer Gala Day – Sunday 10 March from 9.30am at Bloomfield Oval
The Harmony Cup is a free, round robin soccer competition for players aged over 16. The competition does not require you to be a member of a local association.
Participants can enter a team and bring their own uniforms, shin pads and boots. Players and teams can register now to play. Participants and spectators can enjoy multicultural food, drinks and entertainment throughout the day. Team registrations close Monday 4 March. Find the form to register here: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/migrant-support?tab=harmony-festival
– Harmony Day – Saturday 13 April from 3pm to 7pm in the South Court, Byng Street.
Harmony Day is a community event to celebrate multiculturalism where Everyone Belongs. The event will feature multicultural food, entertainment, cultural stalls, and a National Dress Cultural Fashion Parade. Community and cultural stall holders are invited to complete the expression of interest form if they wish to participate: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/migrant-support?tab=harmony-festival. Harmony Day is funded by a grant from Multicultural NSW.
“I love walking around the food stalls on Harmony Day to smell the delicious diversity of foods from all around the world. It’s the perfect opportunity to travel without leaving Orange,” Cr McDonell said.
