Territory’s favourite Thai Festival returns to Top End

Territorians will be able to enjoy a Thailand taster later this month, with the iconic Thailand Grand Festival returning to the Darwin Waterfront on Saturday, 23 April.

Event organiser, Northern Territory Thai Association, are expecting the 2022 instalment to be the biggest yet with a jam-packed program running from 11am right through to 10pm.

Celebrating traditional Thai culture, the free event will feature a range of exciting things for local and visiting families to see and do.

Northern Territory Thai Association President Saramat (Tou) Ruchkaew said the festival is a huge highlight on the community’s calendar each year.

“We’d like to thank the Northern Territory Government for their support, and look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back to the Darwin Waterfront this April to celebrate our rich culture through the many activities, displays and performances on offer,” Tou said.

Learn about the national sport of Thailand Muay Thai (kick boxing) before the second Thailand Grand Cup, which will be awarded to the victor of the competitive showcase in the evening.

Event attendees can also experience Gymnastics Thai Traditional Play “Lao Kra Top Mai” dance.

Bring along your water pistol to help celebrate the spirit of Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year National Holiday that sees people take to the streets of Thailand to battle it out with water pistols. Families are also invited to learn about Thailand’s rich and engaging culture at the education tents throughout the day, with Thai cultural displays, art exhibits and performances for all to enjoy.

Traditional Thai food and drink will be available at the event’s biggest traditional street food market ever, with authentic Thai dishes to discover, as well as the addition of a Thai Beer Garden on the lawns.

The spectacular Thailand Grand Parade will commence at 6pm with a special wedding theme or khan mark procession. The festival will conclude following an entertaining stage show, featuring traditional Thai music, dancing and performances.

The Thailand Grand Festival is free to attend, but you must register in advance and check in using the Territory Check In app upon arrival. For more information and to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thailand-grand-festival-2022-tickets-291103076137?fbclid=IwAR0KCp7TxTJvH1uEm5pp-jv3pokGVIGsLuPlrTBGhia8-ZjYIgQ4Ay2L1ao.