2021 Thailand Grand Festival shaping up to be biggest and best yet

The countdown is on for the NT Thai Association’s popular Thailand Grand Festival, which is set to be held on Saturday, 24 April from 11am to 10pm at the Darwin Waterfront.

Celebrating ‘The Year of Thai Ancient Self Defence’, the Thailand Grand Festival will introduce the exciting traditional sport of Muay Thai (kick boxing). Learn about the national sport of Thailand through demonstrations by Palmerston-based Man Ho Academy of Martial Arts during the day, before the launch of the inaugural Thailand Grand Cup, which will be awarded to the victor of the competitive showcase in the evening.

President of the Northern Territory Thai Association Tou Saramat Ruchkaew said this year’s event was shaping up to be the biggest and best yet.

“We are preparing for the grandest Thailand Grand Festival yet, and will be turning the Darwin Waterfront into the Top End’s very own Khao San Road, complete with a huge water fight! Bring your own water pistol or buy one on the day,” she said.

“There will be so much to see and do, including activities for children, and you’ll get a real insight into the different aspects of Thai culture, ranging from Muay Thai to food, art and dancing.”

The program explodes with traditional and contemporary Thai events and activities, including a massive public water fight in the spirit of Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year National Holiday that sees people take to the streets of Thailand to battle it out with water pistols.

Families are invited to learn about Thailand’s rich and engaging culture at the education tents, with Thai cultural displays, art exhibits and performances for all to enjoy. Traditional Thai food and drink will be available at the event’s biggest traditional street food market ever, with authentic Thai dishes to discover, as well as the addition of a Thai Beer Garden on the lawns.

The spectacular Thailand Grand Parade will commence at 5.30pm, showcasing a rainbow of traditional art and costumes from the four distinct regions of Thailand to the beat of traditional long drum (ram klong-yao) performances, followed by a water blessing for good luck.

The festival will conclude with a dynamic and entertaining stage show, featuring traditional Thai music, dancing and performances, including the celebrated return of traditional Thai Lanna dancer Nakarin Jaikla, performing contemporary Thai dancing on the night.

The Thailand Grand Festival will be a COVID safe event. Reserve your free ticket to help facilitate contact tracing at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thailand-grand-festival-2021-tickets-141767110243?aff=ebdssbeac.