History
“From little things, big things grow!”
The concept of a Sri Lankan cultural festival in Melbourne originated in 2014 as a discussion amongst friends in a Melbourne living room. As a result, with plenty of commitment and nurturing, the first Lankan Fest event was held in 2015 at the Queen Victoria Market.
Three years on, Lankan Fest is undoubtedly the most popular Sri Lankan cultural festival in Melbourne. It has become the go-to event on the calendar for many Sri Lankans living in Australia and a popular cultural festival for other Australian ethnic groups seeking an unforgettable food and cultural experience.
Event participation has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. 2018 event attracted an impressive audience of over 50,000 attendees. Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lankan Fest made a triumphant return in 2022.
Building on the event's success, we are excited to announce that it has moved to Melbourne's most iconic venue, Federation Square, for its 7th edition. This year's event is scheduled for the 23rd of November and promises a day of festivities from 10 a.m. until late.