Event details and program

 On the Festival day at Federation Square on Sunday April 3 there will be a continuous showcasing of Thai Culture and Food

Federation Square and the river bank  will be  transformed into a haven of Thai culture; with a large traditional Thai welcome gate (Sala) at the North West entrance to the square becoming a focal point for visitors, with information booths, welcomes from guides dressed in traditional Thai outfits

The Festival  will start at  10am with the traditional Songkran blessings by 9 Thai monks from the temples in Melbourne, enabling the Thai community to celebrate Songkran in the traditional manner, whilst at the same time allowing Victorians to witness or participate in this colourful activity.

At 12.15pm the Festival will be  officially opened by Her Excellency The Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, the  Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne and the Hon Thai Consul-General to Victoria. In attendance will be the Presidents of the organising associations,  The General manager- Thai Airways International, The Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, representatives of the Festival supporters and sponsors, Thai Government representatives and other guests.

 Federation Square itself will have 20 large open air tents featuring:

• Thai Products - Thai cultural and handicraft displays/items for sale, from the different regions of Thailand, North to South and West to East. Featuring OTOP ( One Tambon One Product), Onla, Mango Tree

• Thai Tourism - Information stalls from Tourism Authority of Thailand; Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Travel Thailand

• Thai Fashion - Stalls featuring Bangkok Fashion City, PS Textile Gallery, Asia Treasure

• Thai Community in Victoria - an information tent will provide more information on  local Thai community activities www.thaivic.com

• Thai Food - Cooking demonstrations and Thai food information by Thai Kitchen - Global Cuisine - arroy@melbourne

• Thai Health - Traditional Thai massage

• SBS radio outside broadcast van on site

• Supporters tents will feature supporters of the Festival including Southern Cross University, City Education Centre

The Federation Square stage  in front of the large outdoor screen on the South west corner of the square, will be the focal point for a series of cultural activities including:

• Traditional Thai dance and song performers

• Thai Sword and stick fighting shows

• Thai beauty competition

• Thai Fashion and Silk show

• Thai  videos playing on the big screen

The riverbank side of Federation Square will be  bedecked with  food tents featuring 21 of the best local Thai restaurants, offering great value with dishes at  $6 each, great tastes and traditional Thai fare.

Click here to download menus

• Drinks stalls will sell  water, soft drinks and other beverages

• A dining area will be provided

• A beer garden will feature the famous Singha Beer and local wines

From 5pm till 9pm the Riverbank will become "Thai night by the river"

• 21 food stalls

• Beer garden

• Continuous live jazz and bands playing on the riverside stage

A raffle competition will take  place selling tickets to win a Thai Airways return flight to Phuket/Bangkok or other prizes

The Festival will close at 9- 9.30pm

The Thai Culture and Food Festival Inc is a not for profit incorporated body and is a supporter of the Thai Disaster Fund, Victoria Inc.

Detailed program Sunday April 3 2005*

Click here to download 2005 Festival program