MDA’s (Multicultural Development Australia) spectacular LUMINOUS Lantern Parade will light up South Bank on Friday 9 June with a dazzling array of lanterns, many of which are made by community groups and schools across Brisbane.
The Luminous Lantern Parade is held to coincide with Queensland Day and is the largest celebration held in Brisbane that enables the community to stand together, united, and wholeheartedly give the warmest of welcomes to people that have recently arrived in Queensland from all over the world.
Having sporting organisations like the Brisbane Lions and AFL Queensland who welcome players, staff and fans from diverse backgrounds into the AFL community is wonderful for the game. To also join with MDA and walk alongside our newly arrived multicultural communities, business and government partners and the wider community will be great.
MDA Chief Executive Officer Kerrin Benson said the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade with its spectacular array of colourful lanterns fires our imagination and helps communities to tell their stories of welcome.
“Many people across our great state are born overseas and have come to Australia to make a new life for themselves and their families, this diversity is our strength, its who we are,” Ms Benson said.
“We are thrilled to hold this welcome event for the tenth year in a row and celebrate our unique backgrounds interwoven throughout our communities across Queensland.”
More than 15,000 people are expected to join the spectacular lantern parade from 6.00 pm – 6.45 pm at South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt as it winds its way through South Bank.
The event concludes with a vibrant world music concert from 6.45 pm – 8.00 pm featuring the Rwandan Cultural Dance Group, Bolivia Marka, Aboriginal performer Geoffrey Fabila, Future Fidel, Cook Islands Dance Group and Izalco Latin Band.
For more information visit MDA’s website.