Event details and program

 On the Festival day at Federation Square on Sunday April 18^th there was a continuous showcasing of Thai Culture and Food

Federation Square and the river bank  was transformed into a haven of Thai culture; with a large traditional Thai welcome gate 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  started 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 was officially opened by Her Excellency The Royal Thailand Ambassador and the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. In attendance were the Hon Thai Consul-General, the Presidents of the organising associations, the secretary of the Thai Association of NSW, The General manager- Thai Airways International, The Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and a representative of the PATA group.

 Federation Square itself had 10 large open air tents featuring:

• Thai cultural and handicraft displays/items for sale, from the different regions of Thailand, North to South and West to East.

• There were demonstrations of Fruit carving, clay sculpture etc

• An information tent provided more information on Thailand and local Thai community activities

• Traditional Thai massage information was available

• SBS radio outside broadcast van on site

• A supporters tent  featured information on the Thai supporters of the Festival

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

• Traditional Thai dance and song performers – the 24 member Thai Culture group - PATA from Bangkok - were the guest performers

• Local Thai dancers also performed

• Muay Thai boxing demonstrations

• Thai Sword and stick fighting shows

• Thai beauty competition

• Thai  videos playing on the big screen

The riverbank side of Federation Square was bedecked with  food tents featuring 12 of the best local Thai restaurants, offering great value with dishes generally no more than $6 each, great tastes and traditional Thai fare

• Drinks stalls sold water, other beverages, including the famous Singha Beer

• Patrons were able to use the seating by the Yarra, grassed areas on the river banks or chairs to be provided to sit down and enjoy the food and drink and/or watch the live performances.

A raffle competition took place selling tickets to win a Thai Airways return flight to Bangkok or other prizes

The Festival closed by 6pm

Detailed program Sunday April 18 2004*