Celebration of cultures to kick off

Excitement and anticipation are building around Broome, with only two more sleeps to go until the Shinju Matsuri Festival kicks off.

Now in its 46th year, the longstanding event, known as the Festival of the Pearl, pays tribute to Broome’s multicultural history.

Celebrations will begin with several community eventsand on Saturday.

This year, the official opening of the festival will be held on Sunday, with Broome mascot Sammy the Dragon rising from his slumber at the sound of firecrackers and drums. The Japanese Taiko Drummers will help awaken Sammy with a lively performance.

The colourful street float parade and Mardi Gras concert will also be held on Sunday.

The 2016 program will feature more than 20 events, including several drawcards making their return after last year’s festival.

Highlights will include the Sunset Long Table Dinner, the Floating Lantern Matsuri, the Willie Creek Pearl Harvest, art exhibitions and awards, film, music, dance, family and community events, and a festival finale party.

A new feature this year will be the Jetty to Jetty event, which pays tribute to the jetty trail along the town’s historic foreshore.

Shinju Matsuri president Chris Maher said the diverse line-up of events meant there was something for everyone to enjoy.

[|The full program of events can be found at shinjumatsuri.com.au] .