Event details and program

 On the Festival day at Federation Square on Sunday 2nd March  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 information booths, welcomes from guides dressed in traditional Thai outfits

The Festival  will start at  10am with the traditional Buddhist blessings by 7 Thai monks from the temples in Melbourne, enabling the Thai community to celebrate in the traditional manner, whilst at the same time allowing Victorians to witness or participate in this colourful activity.

At 11.50am the Festival will be  officially opened by  the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne; The Ambassador of Thailand to Australia : and the Hon Thai Consul-General in Victoria. In attendance will be the Presidents of the organizing associations,  representatives of the Festival supporters and sponsors, Thai Government representatives.

 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.

• Thai Tourism - Information stalls from Tourism Authority of Thailand; Thai Airways

• Thai Fashion - Stalls featuring Thai silk

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

• Thai Food - Cooking demonstrations on the main stage.

• Thai Health - Traditional Thai massage

• Supporters tents will feature supporters of the Festival

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 from 17 performers specially visiting Melbourne from Bangkok

• Thai music

• Thai beauty competition

• Thai Silk Fashion show direct from Thailand featuring 12 Thai models

• Thai Kick Boxing

• Thai stick and sword fighting

The riverside terrace of Federation Square will be  bedecked with  food tents featuring 16 of the best local Thai restaurants, offering great value with dishes at  $7 each, great tastes and traditional Thai fare.  PLUS 3 Thai desert and Thai drink stalls including bottled Thai water

• A dining area will be provided on the grassed area alongside the riverbank

• A beer garden will feature the famous Singha Thai Beer with live music

• other beverages including soft drinks will be available from vendors in Federation Square (requirement of Federation Square Management)

A raffle competition will take  place selling tickets to win one of 3 Thai Airways economy return flights to Bangkok.

The Festival will close at 10 pm

The Thai Culture and Food Festival Inc is a not for profit incorporated body.

COUPON SYSTEM FOR 2008 FESTIVAL The 2008 Festival food and drink vendors will use a coupon system to speed up food and drink delivery and for hygiene purposes. Coupons can be bought at the coupon tent between the square and the riverbank and also from roving Festival Coupon vendors alongside the food and drinks tents in $7 and $2 values. All main dishes $7, Thai desserts $4 and Thai drinks $2. Excludes Thai Singha beer $5 (cash only)

Food serves will be $7  - a great excuse for trying a selection of the many regional  specialities unique to Thai cooking. Vegetarians are catered for!  Menus available from information stalls and guides during the day.!

Detailed program Sunday 2 March 2008*