Hot music acts to light up Indian cultural event

VICTORIANS and visitors will be treated to an incredible line-up of musical talent at the Indian Summer Festival – a free, three-day community and cultural festival to coincide with the Australia vs India Boxing Day Test in Melbourne at the iconic MCG.

The festival will be headlined by international acts Raxstar (UK) and Humble The Poet (Canada), Sydney-based L-Fresh The Lion and Pav Dharia, and Melbourne grown Ecca Vandal. The festival will also feature local emerging artists including Manorism, Sahida Apsara and Dub FX.

To be held in Yarra Park outside the MCG, the Indian Summer Festival will showcase the best of modern Indian culture and celebrate Victoria’s vibrant Indian community to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The Indian Summer Festival begins on Sunday, December 23 coinciding with the annual Bupa Family Day and will include appearances by the Australian and Indian men’s cricket teams. Live performances by Raxstar, Amin and Hari, Karishma Sadhai and Jay Dabgar Quartet will light up the stage.

The festival will continue over days one and two of the Domain Boxing Day Test.

A Sport For All Community champion, Sam Atukorala said, “India and Australia have always been great rivals on the cricket field but great friends off it. This festival is an exciting initiative to bring together Melbourne’s diverse population and celebrate modern Indian culture.

“As Australia’s favourite sport – a sport for all Australians, cricket has traditionally helped unite Australians in their common pride in our sport and as A Sport for All Community champion we promote cricket to anyone who loves the game regardless of their ability or the differences.

“Cricket has definitely been a tool for social connection.”

The full Indian Summer Festival program will be announced in the coming weeks. It will feature Indian cuisine alongside Indian art and culture and will also provide fans with the opportunity to play cricket, meet some of their favourite cricket stars and enjoy the spectacle of some exhibition kabaddi games.

Further information is available at www.indianfestival18.com.au