Nineteen festivals will share in more than $400,000 in funding over the next 12 months as part of efforts by Maribyrnong council to invigorate public spaces throughout the municipality.
The recipients of the 2025-26 Signature Festivals and Activations Grants Program were announced at last week’s August council meeting.
Among the events to receive funding include the Footscray West Writers Fest which will return for a second year after its highly successful debut: the expansion of the Weird Out West festival; the second edition of the Little Africa Night Market and the first ever Harris Street Block Party.
Mainstays such as the Yarraville Festival, East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival and West Footscray Festival of Colours will also be funded.
Councillor Pradeep Tiwari, speaking before he stepped aside as mayor and a councillor on August 25, emphasised the importance of these events in fostering community spirit.
“Our funding reflects council’s dedication to celebrating the cultural diversity and creativity within the city of Maribyrnong,” Cr Tiwari said.
“These festivals not only activate public spaces but also provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together and connect.”
The festival calendar begins next month with the Ethiopian New Year Festival in Footscray and Braybrook’s Festival of Flowers Bathukamma.
Council is also collaborating on a series of partnered festivals, including ‘Fringe Westside’ as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, ‘Jazz Westside’ linked to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Council own signature events, including the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display in Footscray Park, are also coming up.
