Western Australia Tourism: Funding for Broome’s premier cultural event
Broome’s premier annual arts, cultural and community event, the Shinju Matsuri Festival, is set to be bigger and better this year thanks to funding from the State Government. Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Shinju Matsuri, Japanese for ‘Festival of the Pearl’, was a celebration of Broome’s pearling history and multicultural roots.
“This year’s festival will have a strong focus on the Chinatown precinct, which will host events and entertainment to add vibrancy to the area and highlight Broome’s cultural history,” Dr Hames said
“By working with the Nyamba Buru Yawuru people, new indigenous events will also take place, showcasing local Aboriginal stories, language, dance and song. These events will be held at ‘Pearl Luggers,’ a historical outdoor venue in Chinatown.
“In addition, Shinju Matsuri will feature the popular long table lunch; a float parade and Mardi gras; an art exhibition; dragon boat races; and the Shinju Matsuri Ball, which will be headlined by internationally-renowned musician, Lucky Oceans.”
Dr Hames said the additional funding would also significantly increase the marketing and promotion of the festival.
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“Broome is one of WA’s most popular destinations, and the festival will not only attract visitors to the area but it will also provide an economic boost to many of the local businesses,” he said.
The Shinju Matsuri Festival is supported by the Government through Eventscorp’s Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the festival was a wonderful annual event for Broome and the greater Kimberley region, and he was pleased it had received Royalties for Regions funding.
“Broome is already such a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit and the Shinju Matsuri Festival provides a further opportunity for the community to come together in celebration and to showcase their town to visitors,” Mr Grylls said.
“The Government’s additional $40million commitment to regional events brings social and economic benefits to towns throughout regional WA, and that’s a very positive outcome for regional development.”