Darling Harbour Culture Beats

The celebration of Australia's cultural diversity continues at Darling Harbour in 2015, with a FREE and fun-filled program showcasing the exotic flavours, dance, music and art of nations including China, Thailand, Pakistan, Armenia and India.

Presented by cultural groups from around NSW in partnership with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Darling Harbour Culture Beats is part of a dynamic line-up of regular events that attract more than 26 million people to Darling Harbour each year and provide an important contribution to the NSW visitor economy.

From current Chinese New Year festivities to Thai, Pakistani, Armenian and Indian festivals in March and Buddha's Birthday in May, Darling Harbour Culture Beats brings beauties of the world to Darling Harbour.

The sights and sounds of Asia remain in the spotlight as part of an ongoing two-week long Chinese New Year festival (13 Feb – 1 Mar) with the spotlight on Darling Harbour's beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship. Celebrations in the Garden include, fan dances, Tai chi and calligraphy. And throughout Darling Harbour, the festivities continue with dragon boat races on Cockle Bay, firework displays and the Chinese Lantern Carnival illuminating the Urban Stream.

The Thai Grand Festival from 14-15 March will surely entice with spicy curries, live music and live dance recounting Thai folklore; before the Pakistan Folk Music and Cultural Festival on Sunday 22 March at Palm Grove, where foods and traditions from a wide-range of Pakistani regions will be celebrated.

Also on Sunday 22 March, the Armenian Festival will see a lively day of dance, music and entertainment at Darling Harbour. Families can relish in the tastes of delicious Armenian food and drink while watching traditional dancers bring the Duduk and Zourna to life. A talented line-up of Armenian community guests from the fields of business, sport and entertainment will also showcase their skills live at Tumbalong Park.

A grand festival of colour, friendship and harmony will be displayed on Saturday 28 March, when Holi Mahotsav will feature at Darling Harbour Culture Beats. With flavoursome vegetarian Indian food, craft stalls and art workshops, the festival will also showcase Indian live music and a range of dance performances from contemporary to classic, folk and belly dance.

After a month's recess (during Nomanslanding)*, Darling Harbour Culture Beats will return for a celebration of Buddha's Birthday from 9-10 May at Tumbalong Park. Marking the birthday of the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddah, the event will include Buddhist exhibitions, ceremonies and performances as well as a selection of arts, crafts and vegetarian food stalls.

For more information about FREE Darling Harbour Culture Beats 2015 program, visit darlingharbour.com. Also check-out Darling Harbour on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.