More than 40,000 people descended on Mills Park in Beckenham last week for the City of Gosnells largest Fusion Food and Culture Festival to date.
Held over two nights on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, this year’s Fusion Festival attracted families from right across Perth to celebrate multiculturalism and the rich diversity of the local Gosnells community.
There certainly wasn’t any lack of entertainment for festival-goers, with a variety of international music and dance performances across two stages, including highlights from Australian Idol contestant Drea and local indie pop-rockers Dear Sunday, while roving performers added to the family-friendly atmosphere.
More than 40 food trucks, along with carnival rides and free children’s and youth entertainment, also proved to be a major hit amongst families.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes expressed her excitement over the turnout and the seamless way the Festival came together.
“We were blown away by the interest and attendance at Fusion again this year, which is a testament to how much the local community values these kinds of inclusive, family-friendly events in the City,” Mayor Terresa Lynes said.
“It was fantastic to see people from right across the city and beyond come together to celebrate cultural diversity at our biggest annual community event.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Lotterywest, Great Beginnings and Maddington Central shopping centre, who make it possible for us to run these sorts of events for local people and the wider community.”
Mesmerising the crowd, the highly anticipated 5-metre tall archangel-style puppet, The Messenger, made its Western Australian debut at the Festival, proving to be a fan favourite with its illuminated message of love, compassion, and unity.
This year’s expanded Global Village area and Great Beginnings Viva Stage were also a hit, with community groups from across the City of Gosnells offering engaging entertainment, activities, and information about their programs and services.
Both nights of the Festival culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky.
With Christmas just around the corner, the Fusion Festival provided a taste of the events to come as part of the city’s events season, which is now in full swing.
