Major broadcast deals to help 2012 Festival set records

The National Multicultural Festival will reach more people than ever before thanks to significant new sponsorships with SBS and digital content provider GoConnect, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs Joy Burch said today.

"The Festival is one of the biggest events of its kind in Australia, and these two major broadcast deals will allow us to reach more people than ever," Ms Burch said.

"SBS's status as one of our major broadcasters as well as a leading champion of multicultural affairs marks them out as a perfect partner for the Festival, and high-profile presenters from the network will be hosting key events throughout the three days of the Festival.

"GoConnect is a leader in the provision of IPTV and this sponsorship represents the first time the Festival will be broadcast over this new broadcast platform. We will be reaching new markets and setting the template for festivals to come."

The 2012 National Multicultural Festival runs from 10-12 February in Canberra City. Australian pop star Anthony Callea is the headline act and will top the opening concert, while wine industry magnate Wolf Blass is the Face of the Festival.

Ms Burch said feedback from the 2011 event had been incorporated into the planning for the 2012 Festival, particularly around spreading out the site to avoid and risk of overcrowding while also providing more seating and areas for people to rest.

"The National Multicultural Festival gets better every year and we are always looking way ways to allow even more people to enjoy the excitement.

"I am very pleased that for 2012 we will be able to work with SBS and GoConnect to show more people than ever how Canberra celebrates our vibrant cultures."

The countdown is on: the 2012 National Multicultural Festival is now only seven weeks away. For the latest news on events, performers, food and fun, log onto http://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/ follow the Festival on Twitter @NatMultiFest or become a friend at our Facebook page: National Multicultural Festival.