AFTER being cancelled for the last two years due to covid, the National Multicultural Festival will return to Canberra for its 25th anniversary in 2023.

The festival will run between February 17-19, and will expand into Glebe Park.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne said the three day event will see Canberra’s multicultural communities showcase and share their culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance.

“It’s an event that is close to many people’s hearts. I’m pleased to share the expanded festival footprint and dates for next year’s celebration, as we know that multicultural groups across the ACT spend months planning stalls, preparing workshops and practicing performances,” she said.

“The 2023 festival will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the event and we are planning on making this one to remember, to celebrate this important part of Canberra’s history.

“I’m happy to announce that this year there is a doubling of the festival grants funding, from $90,000 to $180,000.

“This will allow even greater participation from the community as stallholders and performers. We will particularly be encouraging applications form new and emerging communities as the festival is such a great way to share their culture.”