The Carlton Italian Festa will take place this Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, in Piazza Italia, on the corner of Lygon Street and Argyle Place.
The event is a must for Italians and Italophiles in Melbourne, with a program which celebrates everything that makes the Belpaese so beautiful.
There’ll be live music and entertainment, fun and games for kids and, of course, a spread of traditional Italian fare on offer.
The charismatic James Liotta will return as the event’s MC, as eager as ever to fulfil his signature role.
“I feel very lucky to again play the role of MC, which I first took on 15 years ago,” he says.
“This year we have some local talents who are present every festival, but also some new acts who will surprise guests.
“Everyone is invited to celebrate this great event with us... it involves the entire community, not just Italians!”
This year’s festival will feature performances by Italian choir Voce Della Luna, the Vocal Arts Studios students’ showcase, The Viva Italia Show, Siesta Cartel, Alessandro Stellano and his band, The Rustica Project, Tony Pantano, Angela Librandi and DJs Mark Pellegrini and Andreas.
While this incredible line-up will have crowds dancing, beloved comedian Joe Avati will have them laughing endlessly.
This festival’s special guest is Fabio Curto, winner of The Voice Italy in 2015.
The Gusto Italiano Marquee, proudly supported by Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will host cooking demonstrations from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm so that you can hone your Italian cooking skills, while Italian movies will be screened on the Cinema All’Aperto throughout the day, thanks to Palace Cinemas.
The Waiters Race, proudly sponsored by Lombards, will return to Lygon Street, while Football Nation Radio will have a live broadcast, which will be streamed via their digital service over a two-hour period during the festival.
There will be a free art space for kids as well as a jumping castle and giant slide, while visitors can enjoy the array of food and drinks on offer at the various food stalls, including that of 2017 Masterchef contestant, Pia Giava.
Classic Italian cars and vespas will also be on show, thanks to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia, Fiat Car Club, Zagame Automotive, Vespa Club of Melbourne and Vespa Australia.
Sponsored by The City of Melbourne, Victorian Multicultural Commission, CO.AS.IT., Lavazza by Saluministi and Zagame Automotive, the event is sure to be a great day out for friends and families from the Italian community and the wider community of Melbourne.
