Thai Water Festival - Sydney’s Largest Water Festival

The Loy Krathong Thai Festival is Sydney's largest water festival.

Held in Parramatta, in conjunction with the Thai Consulate General, Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai Australia Association, this annual cultural event attracts more than 12,000 people from all around New South Wales.

A family friendly event, the Loy Krathong Thai Festival is a celebration of Thai traditions and culture.

The festival is centred around the launching of krathong rafts on Parramatta River at sunset. These hand-made, lotus-shaped receptacles, traditionally made of banana leaves, are filled with food, flowers, coins, incense sticks and candles and are placed on the banks of the river. Together, the floating krathong rafts will light up Parramatta River and create a stunning waterscape.

All are welcome to participate in this tradition and can make a wish or prayer as they launch their krathong raft.

In the lead up to the main event at sunset, the Parramatta foreshore will be bustling with activity in the late afternoon.

There will be a wide range of live entertainment featuring local and Thai performers, including traditional drumming and cultural performances and dances. There will also be Muay Thai Boxing demonstrations and roving entertainment, as well as traditional food stalls selling a range of Thai and Asian delights. Other highlights include a singing competition*, traditional Thai massages, amusement rides, free face painting, a range of interactive craft workshops and a spectacular waterfall and fireworks display.

All are welcomed to attend this major cultural event.

It will be held from 5pm at Parramatta River, between Wilde Avenue and Elizabeth St Footbridge, on Saturday 24th November 2012.

For any event enquiries please call Parramatta City Council on 8839 3311 or email events@parracity.nsw.gov.au.

For more information on this event, please visit Discover Parramatta.

*Learn the words to the traditional Loy Krathong song below for a chance to win a trip to Thailand!