Blockbuster PARRAMASALA Program Released

Parramasala, the flagship festival of Multicultural March, will return for its eighth year from 9th to 11th March in Parramatta. This year Parramasala has undergone a transformation and will be inclusive of cultures from all parts of the world.

Parramasala is a free, public celebration of the diverse and rich cultures in Sydney. The festival will offer entertainment, food, markets and music from over 40 different cultures in a positive, diverse and friendly atmosphere.

Program highlights include:

- Grammy award-winning Saharan Desert rock group Tinariwen will bring their incredible live show to the festival stage on Saturday night alongside the Grammy award-nominated future-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote.

- The Welcome Parade which will kick off the festival with a feast of colour, movement and sound with over 500 performers from more than 40 cultures. The parade will make its way from Parramatta Town Hall to Prince Alfred Square before being met by the Elders of Burramatta for the opening ceremony.

- Market Street, a street market celebrating all things 'street': street food, street rhythms, street music and street dance. Grab a plate and taste your way around the best of Sydney's street stalls surrounded by colourful musicians and dancers.

- Dreamgirls of Bollywood, a celebration of the colour, dance, energy and excitement of Bollywood. Featuring an all international cast, Dreamgirls of Bollywood tracks the iconic costuming and dance performances through the many years of Bollywood films.

- Masala Nights - World Dance Congress, a veritable journey around the world through dance. The world's best in dance will take to the stage in this show with dance styles including tango, samba, salsa, classical dance, flamenco and more.

Festival director Paul Osborne said, "In 2018 we are thrilled to present a Parramasala program made up of local and international acts that is rich in colour and full of energy, representing all corners of the globe. More importantly, we have captured the essence of the true Sydney, the international flavour of our city, present in our extraordinary cuisine, the diversity of our artists, the beauty of our dance and our incredible musicians. We invite you to come and taste it all".

Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams said, "Parramasala is a vibrant festival showcasing Western Sydney's extraordinary multicultural identity, and its growth as an economic and social hub. The NSW Government is committed to supporting the evolving arts and cultural scene of Greater Western Sydney."

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said, "The tagline for this year's festival - 'many cultures, one city' - perfectly sums up the City of Parramatta which boasts one of the most culturally diverse communities in NSW. I look forward to celebrating the many cultures that make Parramatta the unique and special place that it is."

The full Parramasala schedule is available on the Parramasala website: https://www.parramasala.com/