SWAN Hill’s vibrant and multicultural community will take centre stage at Riverside Park tomorrow for a spectacular Harmony Day celebration.
Harmony Day committee chairperson Joelle Whiting touted the free event to be “bigger and better” than ever before, as celebration of unity and diversity prepares to return in heartwarming-force.
The day will feature the Harmony Band performing an original score written and conducted by renowned composer Graeme Leak, along with the Jawa Pitu Band – a fusion of Indonesian dangdut and gamelan traditions with jazz, funk rhythms.
A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony will ring in the event, with dances, a dress parade, games, sports and children’s activities also on the bill.
A record 15 street-food stalls will also be plating up flavours from across the globe, the most in the event’s history.
“We have about 2000 to 3000 people every year; everybody wants to do better every year and it’s getting bigger as well, so that’s a big positive for us,” Mrs Whiting said.
“Harmony Day has been a rich celebration in Swan Hill with many different cultures celebrated, including German, Mauritian, Indian, First Nation’s People, Australian, Fijian, French, African, Korean and many more.”
Dual performer and Harmony Day committee member Ute Schwaibold promised a showstopping event.
“Good food, good shows. We’ve got dancers, good music – everything’s sorted”
Ms Schwaibold heralded the original score for the many different cultures it celebrates and incorporates.
“We are hoping to highlight some of the sounds that are specific to different cultural groups to come together for one performance and celebrate diversity in a safe and inclusive way.
“The music has every bit of rhythm and culture in it.”
Composer Graeme Leak said while for many in the Harmony Day band it may be their first time playing a musical instrument, the culmination of weeks of rehearsal was sounding fantastic.
“It’s a joyous moment of coming together as a community; all sorts of different people coming together to play this little musical item.
“I think it’s just an expression of the joy in the community.”
Harmony Day celebrations will be held at Riverside Park tomorrow, from 3pm to 7pm with free entry.
The event is alcohol free.
