Skip to content

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY THROUGH FOOD, MUSIC AND DANCE

Thank you to all of the wonderful attendees who got to see, taste, feel and experience over 40 different cultures from around the world at Maitland Riverlights.

The Levee, Central Maitland transformed into global village on Saturday 12 October with dance, food and music filling the streets.

We would like to acknowledge the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW ‘Stronger Together Major Festival Local Council Grant and  Destination NSW through the ‘Regional Flagship Event Fund’ for their support to make this festival happen.

GALLERY

This year, The Levee, Central Maitland will transform into a global village on Saturday 12 October from 2.00pm – 9.00pm, where you can see, taste, feel and experience over 40 different cultures from around the world. Collect your Riverlights Cultural Passport on the day and explore your way through The Levee’s global village. Stop by the World Stage, Language Lounge, the Groove Fusion stage and the Global Kitchen to experience a trip around the world right here in Maitland.

Don’t miss the Riverlights Finale on the riverbank. From 8.00pm the multi layered finale consists of the lantern parade from The Levee Shared Zone, a lantern river flotilla, music, dance and a dynamic light show.

RIVERLIGHTS
EVENT MAP

Find your way around Maitland Riverlights this weekend with a copy of the event map. 

RIVERLIGHTS PROGRAM

From workshops each day across the city to Adam Liaw’s dinner, there is something for everyone. 

MUST SEE ON SATURDAY

Adam Liaw Headshot 2023 1

2024 AMBASSADOR
ADAM LIAW

Experience Riverlights with Adam Liaw as he joins us as the Maitland Riverlights Ambassador for 2024. Adam will be hosting a sold out ticketed dinner on Friday 11 October and will be popping up around the event on Saturday 12 October. See where you can catch him below. 

2023 Maitland Riverlights 051

RIVERLIGHTS FINALE

The multi layered finale will bring together the community lantern parade from The Levee Shared Zone, lantern river flotilla, music and dance on the Riverlights Stage, with a dynamic lighting show. Join in the fun from 8.00pm on the riverbank, this finale is not one to be missed.

CULTURAL VILLAGES

Riverlights Cultural Villages are the heart of the festival. Representing different nations and cultures, the Cultural Villages offer free interactive experiences, delicious food samplings and arts and crafts to purchase.

Visit each one to taste traditional food and learn more about the culture. Be sure to collect a stamp in your official Riverlights Cultural Passport, which will be available from the festival volunteers at the event or for download on the website closer to the event.

STAMP YOUR PASSPORT

Learn about cultural traditions, language, art, cuisine, games and more importantly, each other at the Cultural Villages. Visit each one and collect a stamp in your official Riverlights Cultural Passport.

EXPLORE THE EVENT

gaol-header

RIVERLIGHTS STAGE

Be captivated by a range of local and national bands with a range of performances influenced from across the globe.

Medium 1200px Wide-2023 Maitland Riverlights 212

WORLD STAGE

Filled with vibrant and colourful cultural song and dance performances, a cultural fashion parade as well as the Citizenship Ceremony and Official Ceremony.

Medium 1200px Wide-2023 Maitland Riverlights 063

CULTURAL VILLAGES

Learn about cultural traditions, language, art, cuisine, games and more importantly, one another.

Medium 1200px Wide-2023 Maitland Riverlights 230

EXPRESS YOURSELF LANGUAGE LOUNGE

A crowd favourite at Maitland Riverlights, come along and learn songs to sing, common words and greetings, hear stories read in different languages as well as poetry.

riverlights-23-readyaimmedia-20231007-322-scaled-qre8jqi429ft7xijsgz5w5v5jh0onkgt132559y81i

GLOBAL KITCHEN

Featuring different flavours from around the globe with expert presenters taking the stage to share their top cooking tips and tricks.

riverlights-23-readyaimmedia-20231007-311-scaled-qre8jpk9vfeiwbjwxykjbo3oy35bfvd2oyennzzm7q

GROOVE FUSION STAGE

See a range of fun and exciting performances and lessons delivered for audiences to participate in.

sounds-garden--qre8jrfy93h3jjh6mzdsgnmm4uw1v9kjd7pmmjwtva

SOUND GARDEN INSTALLATION

Walk through an interactive cultural ‘garden’ experience, connecting to the sounds, patterns and colours of our local multicultural communities.

Image-1-qthy3x4g3iknsah1tylbadjof54dtnsmywklfs6bzq

WONDERWORLD

Stop by this interactive art installation and photobooth located inside a shipping container to grab the perfect background for your pictures.

led-dragon-qtz1y7nt68174avww6wous32r6kjw8bjrnyigk288m

ROVING PERFORMANCES

See a range of fun and exciting roving performances around the event site. 

Medium-1200px-Wide-2023-Maitland-Riverlights-047-qtzdg2zkd4l93bpt6l827uaitsno2icuc4s0hkeuk6

INCLUDING YOU TENT

The Including You Tent is a quiet, safe place for people who need some respite from the noise and crowds of large event.

RIVERLIGHTS EATERY

Located in Dransfield Lane and Bulwer Street, the Riverlights Eatery is a dedicated food area featuring your favourite local and regional food trucks and stalls serving up a range of delicious food inspired from around the world. 

DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DISH

Wander through the Riverlights Eatery and experience the delicious range of cuisines available.