Festivals and events in Australia

Australia is a proud land of a rich cultural background. It is one of the best places on earth to be visited, thanks to countless Australia Tourist Attractions. Whenever you plan to visit Australia, you will find some festival or other. But in case you want to be a part of specific festivals in Australia, it is a good idea to plan your trip accordingly. The festivals in Australia differ not only in terms of their basic themes, but also in terms of scale of organization, resources, participation and spread in terms of geography. Some are as small as the community-based Apollo Bay Music Festival and Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival, while others afford the opportunity to bring international performers to Australian audiences and show Australian works, such as the Falls Festival and Woodford Folk Festival.

The Perth International Arts Festival is the oldest annual international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere and is Western Australia's premier cultural event. The first Perth Festival was in 1953 and it now offers the people of Western Australia some of the best international and contemporary drama, theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature, comedy and free community events. Some other events on the program include the Contemporary Culture program and the Perth Visual Arts Festival. As well as these, there are other satellite festivals surrounding the main festival which itself offers more than 30 Australian premieres. Part of the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), the Western Australian Indigenous Arts Showcase (WAIAS) involves over 90 Indigenous singers and songwriters, musicians, actors and comedians from all over Australia's largest state.

Sydney Festival is another festival, that offers a rich and diverse program spanning all art forms including dance, theatre, music, visual arts, film, forums and large scale free outdoor events. It stretches for almost three weeks in the month of January.

Another famous festival is none other than the National Multicultural Festival, of Canberra. It is held over two weeks in February and features the very best in local, national and international music, dance, food and creative arts.

Some of the other famous festivals and events in Australia are Ten Days on the Island, Tasmania, Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts, National Folk Festival, Canberra Brisbane Festival, Darwin Festival, and plenty more. Entertainment is just at its best with the success of these events. You can never run short of festivals and events in Australia, as there are many in the offering. Most of them offer a true glimpse into the intriguing cultural heritage of Australia. More importantly, they reflect the passion of people into fine art, dances, ethnic crafts, music and decorative art, among others. And witnessing these festivals and events, you are sure to get to know more about the country and its culture.

While these festivals are an occasion to celebrate differences and art, for the people in Australia most offer the perfect way of spending quality time with family and friends.

1. How do the festivals in Australia differ?

2. What is the oldest art festival? When and where is it held?

3. At what festival ingenious culture is represented?

4. What event takes place in February?

5. Can you name some other famous Australian festivals?