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Bollywood-themed festivities for Boxing Day Test in Melbourne
A three-day “Summer Festival” will take place outside the MCG, featuring Bollywood dance performances, live music, food trucks, pop-up cricket games, and demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
Australian Flag. / National Museum of Australia
Cricket Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is set to elevate this year’s Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with a vibrant Bollywood-themed celebration. The event aims to blend the excitement of cricket with a showcase of Indian culture, transforming the iconic match into a multifaceted festival.
Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos highlighted the unique approach, saying, “We know people love this sport, but we’re giving them an experience like no other. The colours of India will be in Melbourne.”
As part of the festivities, a three-day “Summer Festival” will take place outside the MCG, featuring Bollywood dance performances, live music, food trucks, pop-up cricket games, and demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Local chef Kishwar Chowdhury, who will be participating, shared her enthusiasm: “Other celebrity chefs will also participate, showcasing dishes highlighting Australian produce.”
The festival is designed to celebrate the cultural ties between India and Victoria, reflecting Melbourne’s diversity and its large Indian diaspora. Dimopoulos added, “This year, there will be as much action outside the MCG as inside, with the Summer Festival offering fun for fans of all ages.”
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed equal excitement, emphasizing the growing intensity of the Australia-India cricket rivalry. “The rivalry between Australia and India just gets bigger and bigger, and we can’t wait to see the MCG full on Boxing Day,” he said.
Hockley also noted the event’s expected draw for international spectators, with nearly 10% of attendees anticipated to travel from overseas. This influx is poised to provide a significant boost to Melbourne’s tourism and hospitality sectors, filling hotels, bars, and restaurants during the match.
To ensure fans don’t miss a moment of the game, big screens outside the stadium will broadcast the live action amidst the festival atmosphere. Dimopoulos underscored the broader economic impact, stating, “It’ll be a huge boost to our local economy, filling hotels, bars, and restaurants as passionate cricket fans flock to Melbourne.”
The Boxing Day Test has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s cricketing calendar, drawing fans from around the globe. This year, the addition of Indian cultural elements promises to create an unforgettable experience that merges sport and culture.
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