EVENT DETAILS  AND PROGRAM FOR FEDERATION SQUARE AND RIVERSIDE TERRACE SHOWS

The Festival  started at 10am with the colourful traditional Buddhist blessing with Thai monks from local temples including a Dharma talk at 10.50am.

This was followed by opening celebrations starting at 11.25am till 12.10pm including the Annual traditional Thai long drum parade through Federation Square, along the River Yarra and in and around the CBD, a special performance from Sbun-Nga and the official opening with the Lord Mayor and Honorary Thai Consul General, followed by the playing of the National Anthems.

Federation Square was transformed into a haven of Thai culture with a number of tents showcasing Thai tourism, traditional Thai massage, fruit carving, and information from sponsors and supporters.

The Federation Square stage had continuous entertainment with Thai traditional dance shows featuring the Thai International Dance Group - Sbun-Nga-direct from Thailand ; Thai videos; and the annual "Miss Thai Festival 2010" Thai Beauty competition.  The Square also hosted the 2nd Muay  Thai Festival 8 round Thai Kick Boxing tournament on the Fed Square boxing ring.

Also in Federation Square we featured interactive live Thai cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

20 of Melbourne's best Thai restaurants served mouth watering Thai food from tents alongside the River Yarra at the Riverside Terrace highlighting regional specialities at the amazing price of $8 or less a dish. Plus 3 Thai drinks and desert stalls.  And there were numerous Thai arts, cratfs and handicrafts stalls where you could buy a small piece of Thailand!

Roving guides in Traditional Thai outfits were available to provide  information about the activities and about Thailand

A popular feature of the Riverside Terrace and Birrarung Marr was the  2 Singha Beer gardens  one with a live music sound stage featured all day entertainment and the other, for more relaxed dining whilst enjoying the wonderful Thai food and Singha Beer.

The Festival continued with the Sunshine Friends Concert for Marysville live on the Main Stage from 7pm featuring Normie Rowe, Doug Parkinson, Kevin Borich, Issi Dye, Tony Barber and Tiara.

The festival closed  at 10pm.