Spicing up things up for Sinhala & Tamil New Year

Media Release 

For Immediate Release

Spicing up things up for Sinhala & Tamil New Year

Where else? Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne’s home of events. 

Celebrate Sinhala & Tamil New Year and its cultural beauty through entertainment, food and flavours at the 2024 Sri Lankan Festival, returning for its triumphant fifth year on Sunday 28 April from 10am-4pm! 

Join us at the iconic Queen Victoria Market for a day filled with incredible food, and immersive cultural experiences built on the rich heritage of Sri Lanka - it’s a day for the whole family. 

This joyful celebration is more than just a festival; it's a community gathering that brings together the vibrant spirit of Sri Lanka as we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Indulge in some of Sri Lanka’s favourite foods, be mesmerised by cultural performances, and groove to the beats of talented musicians on an exciting day that promises FREE family fun.

Prepare your taste buds for an epic culinary journey. Imagine yourself in the bustling hawker markets of Sri Lanka, surrounded by irresistible aromas - only this time you’re in Melbourne, no need for a plane ticket. From top-notch food trucks like Taka Taka Kottu, Spice Garden, and Don Daddy to beloved Market traders Drums with their family recipes and traditional flavours – it's a paradise for food lovers. Delight in mouthwatering kottu roti, deviled chicken, hoppers, and so much more.

The Market will come alive with live music and entertainment throughout the day. Shivantha Wijesinha will set the scene with his soulful nostalgic tunes. Watch the Singing Chef prepare live cooking segments while entertaining the crowd with Sri Lankan baila dance songs and cookery tunes. Always colourful and captivating, the Tiya Dance Troupe will have you mesmerised with their interactive dance performance and workshop. 

But the fun won’t stop there. DJ Rush will have the crowd on their feet - a favourite in the Sri Lankan community. And then, settle in for an afternoon of dancing with Shashila Thilini Perera featuring styles from both the upcountry and lowlands. Experience the mesmerising rhythms of Rangana's performance, featuring live Sri Lankan kandyan drums and captivating beats. Experience the revolutionary sound of The Batterii Band, a Melbourne-based group known for their original music and dynamic stage presence. They'll uplift the crowd with chart-topping hits from various decades.

Our Sri Lankan Festival will be bright, colourful, dynamic and high energy. But you don't need a passport. Come for the free family fun and stay for the authentic food. 

Just don’t miss the Sri Lankan Festival New Year celebration at the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Free activities. Free entertainment. 

Event information 

What: Sri Lankan Festival

When: Sunday 28 April 2024  

Time: 10am-4 pm  

Where: Queen Victoria Market, Shed C & D,110/116 Queen St, Melbourne

Cost: FREE

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