Saturday, 29 January 2011

Bankstown's CBD will once again come to life for the fifth annual Bankstown Lunar New Year Festival as Bankstown City Plaza becomes 'Saigon Place'.

Mayor of Bankstown Clr Tania Mihailuk will launch the new 'Saigon Place' initiative by unveiling new branded banners and the gateway at the Festival.

"The introduction of 'Saigon Place' recognises the unique character of the Vietnamese community right here in the heart of Bankstown. The new banners will announce to locals and visitors alike that they have arrived in Bankstown's own 'Saigon Place'. "

"Haymarket has China Town and now Bankstown will celebrate our rich Asian heritage in 'Saigon Place'. The launch of the 'Saigon Place' initiative at Lunar New Year follows the major upgrade of Bankstown City Plaza and will mark a new beginning for the area."

"Lunar New Year is a unique opportunity to celebrate and experience Bankstown's vibrant Asian district with a range of festivities, displays and rides," said the Mayor.

This year's Lunar New Year festivities, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 29 January 2011, will incorporate all the traditional elements of Lunar New Year including lion dances, the God of Good Fortune and the New Year Garden.

Entertainment will include acts by the Sydney Korean Seniors Performance Group, an acrobat and magic show with Jerry and Peter, Phoenix Dance, Platinum Indian Bollywood Dancers, Bankstown City Council’s own Talent Advancement Program vocalists and much more.

2011 marks an extra special year in the Asian calendar, with a double celebration of the Vietnamese Year of the Cat and the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year in Asia, with the festival traditionally celebrated throughout Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Korea and other Asian countries.