Indian classical and folk dance performances were among the highlights at the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival 2026, as thousands gathered at Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown for one of South West Sydney’s largest family multicultural events.
Held on Sunday 3 May and presented by Rainbow Crossing Inc., the free festival brought together children and families from more than 50 cultural communities through music, dance, cultural activities and live performances.
Festival founder and co-director Brian Laul said the event continued to grow as a space for cultural connection and inclusion.
“There is something truly special about seeing so many cultures come together in one place,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that our diversity is our greatest strength, and our children are at the heart of that story.”
The 2026 festival also launched a new Cultural Showcase initiative, with the Philippines selected as the first featured community. Organisers said the addition aimed to highlight the traditions and cultural identity of different communities each year.
Indian cultural performances drew strong audience attention throughout the day, particularly a Bharatanatyam presentation by students of Nitya Natyashale under the guidance of Shilpa Ashok. The performance showcased one of India’s oldest classical dance traditions through expressive gestures, rhythmic footwork and storytelling.
The festival also featured performances by Utsav Dance Academy from Harris Park, which presented Bollywood, semi-classical and Indian folk routines. A colourful Pot Dance inspired by traditional Rajasthani folk styles became one of the major crowd favourites, with dancers balancing decorated pots while performing to energetic music.
Co-director Ronna Guzman said the festival aimed to create a welcoming space for children and families from all backgrounds.
“This Festival is about bringing people together through joy, culture and shared experience,” she said.
“It’s a space where every child can feel seen, valued and proud of who they are.”
NSW Minister and Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP attended the event and spoke about the role multicultural festivals play in strengthening community ties.
“What a wonderful day it is today to celebrate some really important things in our community and across the country as well: celebrating social cohesion, cultural diversity and celebrating of course our children who look so splendid in their many costumes today to celebrate what is really part of modern Australia,” he said.
“I commend festival organisers for proudly showcasing our community’s rich diversity in a celebration for people of all ages and cultural traditions.”
NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure MP acknowledged festival director Brian Laul for his contribution to multicultural engagement across New South Wales.
Federal Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander MP said the event reflected the value of Australia’s multicultural society.
“Anyone who has any doubts about the value of our multicultural society and the value of immigration indeed just has to look at this festival to know this is something to be very, very proud of,” he said.
Federal Member for Hughes David Moncrieff described the festival as a “fantastic example of Australia”, while Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound called it “a magic event”.
Alongside the performances, families took part in activities including the Children’s Parade and the Cultural Discovery Passport program. Organisers said the event continued to grow as a platform celebrating multiculturalism, youth participation and cultural exchange across South West Sydney.
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