New Annual’s feast for the senses will return in 2026
Celebrating the heart and soul of Newcastle at this year’s Global Gathering was a free family-friendly event on Saturday, October 4 as part of New Annual festival.
From 2pm, Beaumont Street came alive with the colours, flavours, and rhythms of the world for Global Gathering – one of New Annual’s most vibrant and inclusive events.
This free, family-friendly street party invited Novocastrians to experience the rich diversity that shapes our city through food, music, dance, and cultural expression.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government through Transport for NSW and Multicultural NSW, Global Gathering is a celebration of connection – where local and global traditions meet in an unmissable spring afternoon of entertainment and discovery.
Across two stages, Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong will hosted a dynamic lineup of music, performances, and food demonstrations.
Culinary fans will be treated to live demos from some of Australia’s most recognisable MasterChef stars, including social media sensation Brendan Pang, local hero Reece Hignell of Cake Boi, Good Food columnist Emelia Jackson, and local favourite Depinder Chhibber.
L to R: Emelia Jackson, Jennifer Wong, Benjamin Law, Brendan Pang, Reece Hignell & Depinder Chhibber
From savoury spices to sweet creations, each chef will bring a taste of their cultural heritage to the stage.
But food is just one piece of the puzzle. Global Gathering is a full sensory experience. Feel the rhythm with ILE ILU – a collective of women drummers, dancers, and horn players. Led by Marina Da Silva, this powerhouse ensemble will ignite the stage with empowering and soul-stirring performances.
Music lovers can’t miss GabzaK & Dance of Worlds – a genre-blending experience where traditional global instruments collide with hypnotic electronic soundscapes and stunning choreography.
Other featured performers include the soulful Paco Lara, captivating Minangay Dreaming, and the high-energy Samoan Dance troupe.
Cultural workshops and the Makers Tent invite all ages to learn and create.
Enjoy hands-on activities including henna tattoos and First Nations art with Luke Russell, giving festival-goers a chance to take home a little piece of the day’s celebrations.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true gathering without Eat Street – where gourmet food vendors from around the world (and the best of Beaumont Street) serve up authentic bites to tempt every taste bud. Whether you’re craving spice, comfort food, or something sweet, the globally inspired offering will satisfy every appetite.
Global Gathering is more than a street festival; it’s a joyful expression of who we are, where we come from, and what we can share together. Gather your crew, your curiosity, and your appetite, and celebrate Newcastle’s cultural richness.
To stay up to date with all the news visit Global Gathering.
