AN extraordinary and extensive program of things to do and see lands at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden on Sunday, 26 May in the form of the All One Under the Sun cultural festival.

It’s a free community event, running from 2024 from 9.30am to 3pm, celebrating cross-cultural Coffs Harbour through live music, dance, workshops and a multitude of activities for all ages.

This event encourages everyone to come together on Gumbaynggirr country and share the beautiful Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden for the day.

Funded by Multicultural NSW and the City of Coffs Harbour, with support from many local organisations and community groups, the festival is a fantastic opportunity for cultural immersion and to celebrate our rich multicultural community.

The festival begins with a Welcome to Country, followed by local Jalay Jalay Gumbaynggirr dancers opening a showcase of diverse cultural dance, live music and performance groups.

“We are so excited to present this year’s Festival, which features so much local talent and engagement from many of our cultural communities and community organisations who are coming together for the event,” said Naomi Steinborner, Project Coordinator, Blue Sky Community Services.

“There are thirteen cultural dance groups as part of our program who will take to the stage performing alongside professional artists and the All One Under the Sun Collective, launching our latest song ‘Same Moon as I’.

“Our Beats and Feets workshop space offers back-to-back workshops including a children’s percussion workshop with master percussionist and local legend Greg Sheehan, world music with DJ Coco Varma, hip hop workshops with visiting First Nations hip hop artists Prodikal- 1, as well as cultural dance workshops and local favourite Kaya Boom leading samba workshops for our parade finale.”

Attendees can also enjoy a showcase of short films and film clips highlighting the stories of cross-cultural Coffs Harbour.

“There are so many activities in our Common Ground cultural immersion zone and arts and craft area, including food demonstrations, chinlone (a volleyball style cultural game played in Myanmar), weaving with Gumbaynggirr women’s group Nyami Gawbarri, large scale sand art with artist Bindimu alongside inflatables, a silent disco and more,” she said.

“There is truly something for everyone.”

The last edition of the festival, held in 2022, was a roaring success, drawing a crowd of more than 7,000 people.

Audience participation is a big part of the festival’s charm.

“Many of our dance and music performances encourage festival-goers to join in.”

Workshops are specifically designed for interaction, allowing attendees to learn new skills like drumming or rapping directly from skilled artists and performers.

The organisers are seeking volunteers who want to contribute to the success of the festival.

“Volunteering at the All One Under the Sun Festival is not just about helping out; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in cultural experiences, meet new people, and be part of a community festival that celebrates diversity and unity,” said Naomi.

Volunteers can assist in various capacities, from event set-up and coordination to assisting with activity zones and performers.

The All One Under the Sun program is a youth-led ‘remedy to racism’ campaign for the whole community, driven by young people and using the arts to promote inclusion, belonging, connection, education and empowerment.

The festival coincides with the Open Day at Botanic Gardens across Australia and New Zealand, including the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden.

Friends of the Gardens will lead ‘World Tours’ of the International areas of the Garden – for more info on the tours visit www.coffsbotanicgarden.com.au.

For more information about the festival, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.alloneunderthesun.com.au or Instagram (@all_oneunderthesun) and Facebook at All One Under the Sun.

By Andrea FERRARI