In summary:
- Two-day Converge on the Goulburn festival a success with music, dance, and food in Shepparton.
- Local and regional talent showcased alongside multicultural performances (African, Filipino, Nepalese etc.)
- Food trucks offered diverse regional cuisine from Sri Lankan to Filipino.
- Event celebrated Greater Shepparton's creativity, innovation, and community spirit.
- 6,000 attendees enjoyed the festival, with organisers seeking feedback through a survey.
The two-day festival hosted a talented line-up of music from Shepparton and Goulburn Valley and Melbourne, as well as wonderful performances from the region’s multicultural groups.
On Friday night rising star Tom Nethersole tuned up the crowd with his electrifying pop, followed by headliner Jonathan Junior King and the African beats. Attendees also enjoyed a jam-packed program, featuring JunkyardBeats roving show and the Congolese Dancers.
Saturday night saw artist Ree Peric delighting the audience with her amazing voice, followed by DJ Shadowz. Multicultural band from Melbourne, 2nd Nature spiced things up with their hip-hop reggae fusion, followed by the Deans of Soul. To finish the night, headliners Dilli Allstars closed with a performance celebrating tradition and resilience through dance and music.
Saturday also featured a fantastic set of cultural presentations, including African drummers, ‘Bula Meke’ from Melbourne, Congolese artists, Burundian dancers ‘Sifas Dance Group’, Nepalese performers and the Filipino dance Group ‘Fafa Dancers’.
Local martial arts club Gracie Jiu-Jitsu showcased their art with a live demonstration, as well as a special martial arts demonstration called “Kamitakane no bo-no-te” from our sister city Toyoake City, Japan, on both Friday and Saturday nights.
The celebration was completed with a fantastic variety of food trucks and food demonstrations showcasing amazing culinary options available in the region. From Sri Lankan to Filipino, delicious treats and desserts, Converge on the Goulburn had an option for everyone to enjoy.
Proudly presented and funded by Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with Shepparton Festival, Converge on the Goulburn was an acknowledgment to the region’s creativity, innovation and perseverance over the past years.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the festival was a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate our diverse region.
“It was fantastic to see Converge on the Goulburn come to life once more, and to see our wonderful community come together, share their traditions and have a good time with family and friends,” he said.
“We thank the estimated 6,000 residents and visitors who attended the event across the weekend. This was a great opportunity to try our diverse food, experience our local talent and celebrate our multicultural community.”
If you attended Converge on the Goulburn, Council would love to know how your experience was. Please fill out the post event survey via this link Shaping Greater Shepp.
For more of what to expect in our region, go to sheppandgv.com.au for the latest event details.
