Dancers in vibrant prelude to International Street Fiesta, November 1
Published on 11 August 2025
Chinese and North Indian dance routines today (August 11, 2025) gave a vibrant prelude to the exciting program that awaits visitors to the International Street Fiesta at Toowoomba’s Queens Park on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald today launched the 2025 International Street Fiesta after a welcome and overview from International Street Fiesta organising committee chair and Toowoomba International Multicultural Society president, Mrs Gitie House, OAM.
Mrs House said the Fiesta was a great family outing that celebrated the Region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Entry to the Fiesta from 3pm to 8pm is free, with food and drinks available to purchase.
“Toowoomba is a vibrant kaleidoscope of cultures, colours, aromas and flavours from every continent,” Mrs House said, in between a Kathak dance (*see details below) from North India by Sheena Bala and a Chinese dance celebrating the jasmine flower by Amy Zheng and Joyce Wang from the Toowoomba Tai Chi and Chinese Dancing Group.
“People from all backgrounds and ages can come and join us in the Region's biggest multicultural celebration at the Fiesta.
“Toowoomba continues to draw new residents from across the world. The Fiesta is a chance for our different cultural groups to showcase their individual customs and heritage through songs and dance.
“Fiesta visitors will be able to enjoy performances by musical and dance groups showcasing 35 cultures including Sinhalese, Chinese, African, Indian, Filipino, Bangla, Punjabi, French, Middle Eastern, Colombian, Nepalese, among others.
“International foods from around the globe will treat patrons to flavours from Afghanistan, Syria, Nepal, Africa, Japan, Malaysia, Hungary, Greece, India, Spain, Mexico, Korea and many other countries.
“A special feature this year will be the addition of Multicultural Australia's Luminous Lantern Parade, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. Everyone can join in the festivities. You can bring your own lanterns or make some at the Fiesta earlier in the day and join the Grand Finale Parade in a trail of lanterns.” Fiesta details: International Street Fiesta — Toowoomba International Multicultural Society
Mayor McDonald praised organisers and sponsors for contributing to one of the Region’s most lively events.
“The Fiesta is a joyous celebration of the talented groups that are proud to share their traditional songs and dance routines with fellow residents,” Mayor McDonald said.
“It’s impossible not to be swept up by the passion of the performers and gain a better appreciation of how important these customs are to individual groups and how much they contribute to our modern identity.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson and Multicultural Advisory Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said Council was pleased to support TIMS with $40,000 in event sponsorship to help stage another exciting family event.
More information about food and stall applications and how to volunteer is available at the festival website by visiting https://www.tims.org.au/international-street-fiesta/get-involved or send a query to isf@tims.org.au
The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Multicultural Australia, the University of Southern Queensland, People First Bank, Grand Central and Southern Cross Austereo.
*Kathak is an ancient classical dance form known for its storytelling through intricate footwork, graceful movements and expressive gestures. The piece performed is a semi-classical rendering composed of two songs celebrating the love between two Hindu Deities, Radha and Krishna.
Captions: (Top) Sheena Bala performs a Kathak dance from North India at the 2025 International Street Fiesta launch at City Hall.
Middle: TIMS president Mrs Gitie House OAM (left) Sheena Bala, Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald, Amy Zheng, Cr James O’Shea and Joyce Wang at today’s launch for the November 1 International Street Fiesta at Queens Park.
Bottom: Toowoomba Tai Chi and Chinese Dancing Group members Amy Zheng (left) and Joyce Wang perform a Chinese dance celebrating the jasmine flower.
