Pacific communities are set for a joint celebration of music, food, culture and more when the Pasifika Unity Festival takes over Blacktown International Sports Park at Rooty Hill.
Blacktown City Council and Multicultural NSW are giving Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian communities a platform to share their traditions and pride on the weekend of 31 October and 1 November.
The festival will feature two stages of musical performances, a parade, markets, free children’s activities and Rugby League World Cup action on the big screen.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the area’s growing Pasifika community.
“Our region is home to some thriving Pasifika communities, and this festival is a way to celebrate the traditions, talents and people who enrich where we live,” he said.
“The Pasifika Unity Festival is about bringing people together through culture, food, music and shared experiences, and I encourage everyone to be part of this exciting event.”
Children’s activities will include an obstacle course, craft and activities held by Netball NSW and Sydney Thunder.
Blacktown City is renowned for its multicultural community and people from Pacific nations make up an important part.
Among overseas born Blacktown City residents, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa are in the top 12 countries of origin (Australian Bureau of Statics, 2021).
One of the festival highlights, the parade, will showcase the many countries that makeup the Pasifika community.
Part of the Saturday program, people will be invited to represent their ancestry and walk behind their respective flag in a colourful display of national pride.
Council’s community partners for the festival are Elevated Culture and For The Area.
The Pasifika Unity Festival promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dance, community spirit and Pacific hospitality, making it a must-attend event on Blacktown City’s cultural calendar.
For details, see Pasifika Unity Festival – Blacktown City.
