Harmony Soiree
There’s a pretty special event happening at this year’s Harmony Soiree.
Production manager Jenny Milne says this year’s soiree is more than just each community group showcasing their traditional dancing and music.
“We’ve developed a real cross-cultural collaboration – you don’t get one dance group after another, they are all working together,” she says.
“Seeing the new music coming out of the collaboration is really quite exciting and it’s what Australian music is about – an amalgamation of all the different cultures together.”
Milne, who is originally from England, has a long history with the Harmony Soiree and the multicultural groups in the Top End, and has been the first smiling face to greet refugees when they arrive in Darwin.
She says the soiree is more than just a celebration and showcase of culture; it’s an opportunity to welcome newcomers and show them what’s on offer in the Top End.
“It’s just about making people feel at home in Darwin,” she says.
“I think some of the refugees are isolated and the soiree brings them together and they can see everyone else and what they’ve achieved."
“They can meet Vietnamese refugees from way back and see the path they’ve taken.”
Milne says the annual festival is a fantastic way to learn more about the multicultural diversity in Darwin – learn how to play Greek musical instruments, make Chinese dumplings or play Gaelic football.
“Everyone comes together to show off their different craft or food,” she says.
“It’s interesting to see how they’ve made Darwin home while retaining their culture – I think it’s important they value their cultural roots while living in Australia,” she says.
In the evening, beautifully decorated lanterns will be released onto the lagoon and the event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks finale.
SAT 26 MAY 2018 | 4:00pm to 8:00pm | DARWIN WATERFRONT | FREE
