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There’s something for everyone at Wagga’s annual celebration of multiculturalism.
Food lovers can devour authentic and modern street-style bites from 31 countries, including tatstes from Afghani to Zimbabwean.
Headlining the festival are music acts Mama Kin Spender, Oh Mercy, Henry Wagons and Woodes.
Zaafer Afzal is from Sydney, but is currently working at Wagga Base Hospital and said he is having a blast.
“It’s been really good and it’s nice to have multicultural events like this one,” he said.
“I’ve tried some Sri Lankan food, some Turkish food and some Lebanese food.
“They should have things like this in Sydney.”
General secretary of the Wagga Indian Community, Amit Gupta, said it was their first time being a part of Fusion and they were loving it.
“It’s been pumping here,” he said.
“People are loving it and we are selling our food like hotcakes.
“It is homemade, authentic Indian food.”
Mr Gupta said although the weather is chilly, the event is still “great fun”.
“Just look at the effort people are putting in,” he said.
Ata Rehan, chairman from the Muslim Association of Riverina Wagga Wagga Australia, said they have had a store at Fusion since the start.
“We have saffron rice and curry,” he said.
“As usual, we are excited to get the opportunity to share our food with the people of Wagga.
“Fusion is great because it gives people a chance to get to know each other and connect communities.”
Evan Garbutt said he was loving the vibe of Fusion so far and there were so many styles of food.
“I had an empanda, which was delicious," he said.
“I have had a street taco, also delicious. I am not sure what’s next, but hopefully I can get a couple more things.”
Ahcin Mayit, a volunteer at the Burmese bites stall said it was their first time joining Fusion as a community.
“We cook honey chicken, fried rice, fried chicken,” she said.
“It’s good and very fund and hopefully we can try some other food from other countries.”
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What to keep an eye out for?
Entertainment
- Roving performers Stiltuesque, Low Down Riders and Bubble-blowing Unicorns will weave their way through the mountain of picnic blankets and chairs.
- You will be dancing on the streets to perennial festival favourites The Dancing Account and Cumbia Massive DJ Collective (+ DIY Hi Fi solar-powered rig) as they drop back-to-back DJ sets.
World Food Village
- Devour a menu of authentic and modern street style bites from 31 countries: Afghanistan, Argentina, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam & Zimbabwe.
Playspace
- Hone your hand-eye coordination skills with totem tennis, play a round of quoits or tie yourself up in knots in a game of Twister. If it is a battle of the mind you are seeking, challenge friends and family to a game of giant tower blocks or giant Connect Four.
Sound of Drawing
- Polyglot Theatre’s Sound of Drawing brings together textures and technology in soundscape of kids’ own making. On the long, broad drawing table, children wear headphones and hear their scratches, swirls, tapping and scribbles.