Starry sari success

The festival returned and the crowds returned.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun declared Liverpool City Council’s returning Starry Sari Night ‘a roaring success’, as thousands descended on the Liverpool CBD over three nights in May to experience South Asia in the South West.

Mayor Mannoun said Starry Sari Night delivered on its promise to be a feast for the senses with George Street encapsulating the sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the region.

“We wanted to ensure that each person who came to Starry Sari Night walked away with their own slice of South Asia, and I think we really achieved that,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“You couldn’t look anywhere without coming across something to see, taste or do that was inspired by the many wonderful cultures that encompass South Asia.”

“Thank you to everyone who joined us at the event and supported local food vendors, merchants and the close to 200 performers we had on the ground over the weekend. While the weather wasn’t ideal at some points, it was trumped by the amazing community spirit on display that saw people come out of their homes in the rain in support of the event.”

Mayor Mannoun said Council received an outpouring of positive feedback from local businesses along George Street and the broader Liverpool community, with calls for the event to return next year gaining momentum.

“We’re delighted with the community feedback which we have received equally from attendees who are from a South Asian background and those who are not.”

Mayor Mannoun thanked those who worked alongside Council to help organise the event including Fabrics of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) whose diverse array of models participated in the highly popular Sari showcase.

Starry Sari Night was proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Festival of Place Open Streets Program, a funding partnership program with 13 Greater Sydney councils most impacted by the 2021 Covid-19 lockdowns.

“Starry Sari Night was all about showing the limitless potential of the Liverpool CBD to be a destination for innovative community events that draw crowds.”

“The popularity of Starry Sari Night has further reinforced the importance of Council’s commitment to reinvigorating the CBD – and events are a major part of this moving forward,” Mayor Mannoun said.