Get ready to roar and rumble at Australia’s first National Lion Dance Competition in Cabramatta!
Prepare for a captivating display of agility, strength, and choreographic precision at Fairfield City Council’s first-of-its-kind National Lion Dance Competition on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September in Cabramatta Town Centre.
The Australia-first competition will be the headline attraction of the Cabramatta Moon Festival’s 25th anniversary celebrations – seeing teams from across the country go head-to-head in a battle for the ultimate prize and honour of lion dance supremacy.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said this year’s National Lion Dance Competition adds an exciting new dimension to the popular Cabramatta Moon Festival celebrations.
“It’s an honour to host the first-ever National Lion Dance Competition right here in Cabramatta as part of the Cabramatta Moon Festival; showcasing the cultural pride, diversity, and community spirit that defines our City,” Mayor Carbone said.
“Lion dance is more than performance, it’s history in motion offering performers a chance at showcasing a centuries-old tradition brought to life with modern intensity.
“We’re proud to be the home where that legacy takes centre stage, and welcome spectators from far and wide to come along and witness these dynamic groups put their incredible skills to the test,” said Mayor Carbone.
“Our state is home to people from more than 300 different ancestries, and festivals are a wonderful way of fostering greater understanding and bringing us all together,” said Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper.
“It’s exciting to see grass roots events like food festivals, performances and other cultural celebrations grow into national attractions. This creates a real groundswell in community harmony,” he said.
“The Moon Festival in Cabramatta is an amazing community event that brings together many people across New South Wales to celebrate our multicultural society,” said Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo.
“This year’s Moon Festival marks a successful 25 years, and to celebrate this special occasion, the first-ever National Lion Dance Competition will be hosted in Cabramatta.
“I am proud to witness and support the cultural vibrancy and social cohesion of this Moon Festival. I look forward to the continued success of the event,” he said.
Highlights of the event include:
- 19 teams from across Australia (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA) competing in traditional and high pole lion dance categories
- Winners crowned in both categories with a coveted national title and prizes
- International guest judges from federations in Singapore and Malaysia
- Family-friendly atmosphere with free entry for all ages.
The competition is set to ignite local interest in lion dance and provide an international platform for emerging talent. It also marks a significant step in Fairfield City Council’s commitment to fostering multicultural engagement and supporting the arts.
