Parramasala 2017

Overview

Western Sydney's Parramasala Festival is back for another year, and it's set to be the biggest one yet. The free annual event, which celebrates and showcases Western Sydney's many cultures, will take place in Parramatta across three action-packed days. Expect a colourful combination of music, dance, food, film and theatre, all spread throughout Prince Alfred Park, the Parramatta riverbank and the Riverside Theatres.

Highlights of the program include a performance by Western Sydney based hip-hop artist L-FRESH the LION at the vibrant opening night parade, cooking demonstrations by some of Sydney's top chefs and a video installation by artist Liam Benson and Parramatta Artists' Studios. The huge variety of food options from across the globe is another major drawcard and gives you an excuse to stuff yourself with curry, dumplings and gozleme for the full cultural experience.

With more than 30,000 expected to attend this year's Parramasala, festival director Di Henry acknowledges its evolution over the years. "Parramasala is still an Asian arts festival at its heart, but we're also a broad church which welcomes and explores many cultures, all of which make Sydney and western Sydney in particular a rich mix of diversity to be celebrated."

Image: Ali Mousawi.