A mix of colour, culture and flair

By Sheree Hoddinett  

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and spirit of the Pasifika Vibes Festival.  

Experience the vibrant energy of culture, tradition and celebrate everything that honours the rich heritage of Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian communities. Proudly presented by Pasifika Families Inc., the festival – held on the Labour Day public holiday (May 5) - has grown to become one of Southeast Queensland's largest Pasifika gatherings. 

Strategic initiatives lead Steve Norris encourages everyone, whether they have been before or not, to come along and become part of the effort to promote understanding, cultivate inclusivity and celebrate the rich tapestry of shared human experience.  

“Every year, we see so many people swarm in,” Steve said. “It’s a festival that tends to draw in the crowds because we have so much happening, lots of colour, culture, authentic costumes – or as close to authentic as they can get and also because of the performers, they have family, friends and supporters come along to see them on stage.”  

Offering a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and find themselves encased in culturally rich traditions, attendees can look forward to a day filled with traditional and contemporary performances, including music, dance and storytelling. Although we get to see all the colour, flair and finely tuned moves on the stage, there is months of preparation involved. 

“It’s not just the performance at the end of the day that everybody sees, it's the cultural involvement behind the scenes leading up to it,” Steve said. “Everybody's making costumes or getting them done, rehearsing, practicing, going to all the rehearsals and dance practices and all that sort of thing. It really makes for quite a community that goes on behind the scenes for all the groups involved.”  

Beyond the stage, the festival grounds will be bustling with market stalls featuring authentic cuisine, handcrafted arts and crafts and interactive workshops. These experiences provide a unique opportunity to engage with the cultural practices and flavours that define the community.​ And you can’t go past the Children’s Village with all sorts of activities and entertainment to keep the youngest members of the family engaged and busy.  

What would an event like this be without the amazing team of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep things running smoothly on the ground and behind the scenes? 

“There’s a lot that goes into the festival for a one-day event,” Steve said. “Last year, we had more than 200 volunteers divided into teams to run the festival. It’s a phenomenal thing to behold actually to see so many people do so much for the love of it.  

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the entire festival, without them we wouldn’t be able to have the festival and for everything they do, we are extremely proud and grateful.”  

Whether you're drawn by the rhythmic beats, the tantalising flavours or the warm sense of community, the Pasifika Vibes Festival will no doubt provide you with an unforgettable day out. 

The Pasifika Vibes Festival is on Monday May 5, from 8.30am-3.30pm at the Pine Rivers Showgrounds - 757 Gympie Road, Lawnton. With an entry fee of $5 (free admission for children under five), the festival ensures accessibility for all members of the community.​  

For further information, visit pasifikavibesfestival.com