Note: As this website is a historical archive of the Westsider newspaper, this article has been reproduced in full, however the event presented in the article has since been cancelled or postponed.
Sunday 15 March will see the 10th Holi festival in West Footscray and the fourth time Barkly Street has closed to make way for the party. West Footscray is well known for its strong community spirit and West Footscray Festival of Colours has been embraced over the years as a day to take to the street. People of all ages and cultures gather to enjoy entertainment, food and of course the iconic throwing of the colours.
The Malt Shop Be Bop Hop roller disco and the silent disco always get people active and look out for community stalls and activities including Women’s Circus, WestSide Derby Dollz, and Assembly Yoga. A much-loved feature of last year’s festival was the busker’s stage. This year performers, and aspiring performers, can take the stage in the food truck precinct near Russell Street. There’s sure to be plenty of talent busting to come out.
Holi is a Hindi festival celebrating the coming of Spring and the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the festival of love. The throwing of the colours is a highlight of West Footscray’s own vibrant and celebratory festival of colours – bringing community together and uniting us as equal. West Footscray’s well-established Indian community turns out in force to experience a taste of India and people from all cultures enjoy taking to the streets.
Barkly Street’s many Indian restaurants serve up wonderful food alongside fried chicken, Thai, Nepalese and pizza. Since last festival Barkly Street has gained Filipino restaurant Chibog, Migrant Coffee, Saigon Desserts, Gebeta Ethiopian, Pakistani restaurant Night Spark and more, with each new offering bringing more to the party.
Come along and join in the fun on Sunday 15 February 2020 from 11am–4pm.
Follow the festivals activities via:
Festivalofcolours.org.au
Facebook.com/westfootscrayfestivalofcolours
Instagram #wefofestivalofcolours
