The inaugural festival, held at Elizabeth Quay in November 2025, attracted 27,000 people across two spectacular nights of music, dance, food and cultural experiences.

Selected from a highly competitive national field, the festival was recognised at the Australian Event Awards in Coffs Harbour, which celebrate excellence and innovation across Australia's events industry.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the award was a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for Perth.

"To be named Australia's Best New Event in our very first year, against some of the best events in the country, is an outstanding achievement," Mr Reynolds said.

"When 27,000 people came together at Elizabeth Quay, we knew we'd created something special. To now receive national recognition is a wonderful endorsement of what Perth can achieve. Our city is home to people from all corners of the world, and this festival was a celebration of the cultures, traditions and communities that make Perth such a great place to live."

The festival transformed Elizabeth Quay into a vibrant celebration of Western Australia's cultural diversity, featuring performances representing communities from across the globe alongside local Nyoongar culture.

The program included cultural performances on the Quay's floating stage, international food and a fireworks finale accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by Nyoongar artist Phil Walleystack.

Mr Reynolds said the award was further evidence of Perth's growing reputation as a destination for outstanding events.

“Perth is increasingly making its mark on the national stage, and this award shows we don't just attract great events, we create them,” he said.

“I particularly want to congratulate our City Events team, whose creativity, dedication and hard work brought this festival to life. And of course, thank you to the performers, cultural groups, community organisations and the thousands of people who embraced the celebrations. This is an award our entire city can be proud of.”

City of Perth Events Manager Lisa Robertson said the award was wonderful recognition of the creativity, collaboration and hard work that brought the inaugural festival to life.

“The Multicultural Festival celebrates the incredible cultural diversity of our city, bringing people together to share traditions, stories, music and experiences - and, most importantly, creating a genuine sense of connection and belonging,” Ms Robertson said.

“Events of this scale take an enormous amount of planning, passion and hard work, and I couldn't be prouder of everyone who helped make it happen. I want to give special recognition to our Creative Director, Phil Walleystack, whose vision was the inspiration for the festival from the very beginning. His passion for bringing people and cultures together, and creating something both culturally meaningful and creatively spectacular, has been the driving force behind this event.

“I'd also like to acknowledge Lux Events for their outstanding production and event delivery, and our Major Supporter Lotterywest, Destination Partner DevelopmentWA and all our event partners for their support. This award belongs to everyone who helped make the festival such a special and memorable occasion."

 

ENDS

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