Indian culture and classical dance shine at South West Sydney’s largest Children’s Festival
A breathtaking celebration of culture, colour and community unfolded in Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown, as thousands gathered for the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival 2026, one of South West Sydney’s most vibrant family events.
Among a spectacular lineup of global performances, the grace, rhythm and storytelling of Indian dance captivated audiences, showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s cultural traditions.
Children from more than 50 cultural communities took part in a joyful day of music, dance and discovery, transforming the park into a living celebration of diversity and belonging.
Adding a special new dimension in 2026, the Festival proudly launched its Cultural Showcase, with the Philippines featured as the inaugural spotlight, celebrating its rich traditions, vibrant performances and unique cultural identity.
Festival founder and co-director Brian Laul said the event continues to grow as a powerful platform for unity.
“There is something truly special about seeing so many cultures come together in one place,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that our diversity is our greatest strength, and our children are at the heart of that story.”
Co-director Ronna Guzman highlighted the spirit of connection that defines the day.
“This Festival is about bringing people together through joy, culture and shared experience,” she said.
“It’s a space where every child can feel seen, valued and proud of who they are.”
One of the highlights of the Festival was a beautiful Bharatanatyam performance by the young students of Nitya Natyashale, trained under Shilpa Ashok.
Recognised as one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, Bharatanatyam blends graceful movement, rhythm and storytelling through expressive gestures, intricate footwork and powerful emotion. The young dancers captivated audiences with their poise, discipline and artistry.
The celebration continued with an energetic and colourful performance by Utsav Dance Academy from Harris Park, who brought Bollywood, semi-classical and Indian folk dance traditions to life on stage.
A major crowd favourite was the vibrant Pot Dance performance, inspired by traditional Indian folk styles often associated with Rajasthan, featuring dancers balancing decorated pots while moving gracefully to lively rhythms in a joyful celebration of culture and community spirit.
NSW Minister and Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP praised the Festival’s impact across the community.
“What a wonderful day it is today to celebrate some really important things in our community and across the country as well: celebrating social cohesion, cultural diversity and celebrating of course our children who look so splendid in their many costumes today to celebrate what is really part of modern Australia,” he said.
“I commend festival organisers for proudly showcasing our community’s rich diversity in a celebration for people of all ages and cultural traditions.”
NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure MP thanked festival director Brian Laul for his longstanding commitment to multiculturalism through the years “not just in the Macarthur area but right across New South Wales”.
Federal Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander MP commended the scale and significance of the event.
“Anyone who has any doubts about the value of our multicultural society and the value of immigration indeed just has to look at this festival to know this is something to be very, very proud of,” he said.
Federal Member for Hughes David Moncrieff described the Festival as “fantastic example of Australia” and Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound as “a magic event”.
Held on Sunday 3 May and presented by Rainbow Crossing Inc., the free festival featured a dynamic program of performances, interactive activities and cultural experiences, including the much-loved Children’s Parade and Cultural Discovery Passport.
As the rhythms of Bharatanatyam and Indian folk dance echoed across the park, they stood as a powerful symbol of India’s rich cultural legacy, warmly embraced and celebrated within Australia’s multicultural story.
In a world that can often feel divided, the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival once again proved that through culture, community and children, unity is not only possible, it is thriving.
