Now in its 11th year, the 2021 edition of Ballarat Harmony Fest (12–28 March) is set to inject more color and movement into a busy March events calendar.

Harmony Fest wraps around Harmony Day, the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is celebrated on 21 March.

This vibrant celebration of diversity has grown each year since its launch in 2010 and City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates sais this year’s Harmony Fest program provided even more opportunities for people to reflect on – and celebrate – the many cultures in Ballarat.

“The festival is a collaboration between the City of Ballarat and numerous community groups that promotes diversity through the sharing of aspects of different cultures, whether it’s through music, dance, food, story-telling or discussions,” Cr Coates said.

This year’s (virtual) flag raising ceremony will take place on 16 March and will include a speech by Michael Akindeju, who is president of the Ballarat African Association.

Other highlights will include:

• Islamic art and calligraphy workshops
• a Women’s Business Pop-Up Market
• a Meet your Neighbor morning tea
• community street soccer
• an Indian film festival
• storytimes at the Ballarat, Wendouree and Sebastopol Libraries

For a full program of events, click here.