Children from the K.U.D. Makedonka Dance Group get ready to perform. By Sarah Schwager
THE 2006 Sumnation World Cultural Festival was a big success on Sunday with local residents celebrating the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural diversity.
Festival-goers were also treated to a live telecast of the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony on the big screen at Sandown Racecourse’s grandstand.
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs and Dandenong MP, John Pandazopoulos, said the festival was a celebration of Victoria and its vibrant culture.
“Sumnation is truly a remarkable festival with hundreds of performers from around the world that showcases Melbourne’s second city’s rich cultural diversity,” he said.
The festival was established to provide the communities with an opportunity to present their culture.
It also showcased continuous live world music and dance across three stages with more than 40 groups performing.
Festival coordinator Deirdre Howard said this year’s festival attracted more performing groups and stallholders than ever before, “a testament to success of this key event”.
