Pako Festa will showcase the talents of the Geelong GRID Series program artists this year.
Geelong’s favourite cultural celebration, Pako Festa, is about to get a dose of incredible musical magic this year, courtesy of the Geelong GRID Series program. On Saturday 24th February, Pakington Street will transform into a vibrant stage, hosting an array of talented musicians set to dazzle crowds with their electrifying performances.
The GRID Series program, a Grass Roots Indie Development initiative, is dedicated to supporting emerging creatives from outer suburban areas across Australia. With backing from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Music Development Office, the program aims to nurture talent and foster a thriving music community in Greater Geelong.
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The iconic Pako Festa returns this month for a cultural feast in Geelong West
Pako Festa, an annual celebration of diversity, has become Victoria’s largest free multicultural street festival. With a kaleidoscope of food, music, dance, and a captivating street parade, the event brings together people from all walks of life to revel in the cultural tapestry of Geelong.
At the heart of Pako Festa lies the Street Parade, a dazzling display of cultures that promises to be a highlight for its 42nd year. Featuring traditional costumes, music, dance, and entertainment from around the world, the parade is a vibrant celebration of diversity.
For food enthusiasts, Pako Festa offers a mouthwatering culinary adventure, with a mosaic of pop-up food vans and marquees lining Pakington Street and West Park. From Bangladeshi Biryani to Fijian BBQ, the festival promises a gastronomic journey around the globe, with proceeds supporting local diverse communities.
Entertainment at Pako Festa is a feast for the senses, with multiple stages hosting a diverse lineup of music and dance performances. The Geelong Arts Centre stage will feature performances by these GRID Series artists, alongside renowned local artists and the Celtic Festival Showcase, promising an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts.
The GRID Series artists include First Nations hip-hop artist Ridzyray, Congolese artist Baraka The Kid, South Indian neo-soul creative Wild Gloriosa, young Samoan musician Elena Nichols (AKA Lenni), and the impressive local singer-songwriter Daisy Kilbourne.
Excitement is palpable among local representatives, with Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong, expressing her delight at the lineup. “I am delighted that they will be appearing at Pako Festa 2024,” she exclaimed, recommending everyone to witness the performances of these five emerging artists.
Luisa La Fornara, Event Director at Cultura, shared her excitement about showcasing local and emerging talent from the Geelong region at Pako Festa 2024. With diverse genres ranging from soul to hip hop and folk to RnB, the GRID Series artist performances promise to be a highlight of this year’s event.
Among the performers is GRID Series artist participant Gloria Ragesh, known as Wild Gloriosa, who expressed her excitement about debuting her single ‘Lover Girl’ at Pako Festa. “The program has definitely helped me overall with my confidence and ability to be sure of myself,” she remarked.
Five incredibly talented local musicians get a big break in the Geelong GRID Program
The Geelong Arts Centre stage, located at the Adroit Chill Out Zone on Hope St, will feature performances by these artists, promising an extraordinary experience for music enthusiasts and supporters of local talent.
So make sure you head down to Pako Festa 2024 for a day filled with music, dance, food, and art, celebrating the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Geelong.
For more information about the GRID program and featured artists, visit www.gridseries.com.au/geelong or follow GRID Series on social media.
