Festival a feast for all senses | Bundaberg News | Local News in Bundaberg

Jenny Kim, Eric Ahn and Elly Maeng enjoy the atmosphere of the Childers festival.

Mike Knott

SAMOSAS, spring rolls and spices... the 15th Childers Festival of Cultures was more than just a cultural feast for four-year-old Jodie Bassett.

“Food — it's the reason we go every year,” her mum Micky Bassett said.

“We tried Japanese dumplings, Thai food, Indian curries and pizza. Jodie loved the dumplings.”

The festival veteran said her family travelled from Maryborough every year to attend.

“This year was better than ever,” Mrs Bassett said.

“The weather was perfect, we loved the dancers, and there were a lot more toilets which made it easier.”

She said while the huge crowd meant ordering food could be chaotic, it was worth braving the masses to check out the international entertainment.

Childers resident Kylie Woods took her children Molly and Clancy along to experience their hometown's biggest day out.

“We just love the atmosphere,” Mrs Woods said.

“The music and the dancing and food is something that you don't get every day.”

She said her children were entranced by the street performers, which included stilt-walkers, dancers, acrobats, comedians and musicians.

“They loved the lady on stilts and the clowns,” Mrs Woods said.

“It's a great family day out.”

Dozens of exotic locations were represented among the 450 stalls.

As well as international cuisine and wine, there was a huge array of craft including everything from African artworks, ceramics and pan flutes, to fishing lures, Turkish glass beads and shoes.

Entertainment was non-stop with six stages set up for comedians and bands.

Crowd numbers were being calculated yesterday, but the event was expected to draw more than 50,000 guests.