Thomastown National Events
Thomastown in Victoria, Australia, is a lively town that enjoys a rich calendar of nationally or globally recognised annual events, attracting both locals and tourists in droves. Here are some of the most popular events that are worth checking out:
1. Australia Day - January 26
Australia Day is a national holiday that commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788. In Thomastown, locals celebrate with outdoor barbecues, picnics, and family-friendly events. The day kicks off with a morning ceremony at the Thomastown Library, followed by a community breakfast hosted by the local council. Later in the day, there are live music performances, fireworks displays, and the much-awaited Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
2. Melbourne International Comedy Festival - March-April
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the largest annual comedy festival in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring over 500 shows across 30 venues. Thomastown is only a short train or car ride from the festival's hub in Melbourne, so residents and visitors alike can easily attend some of the world's funniest comedians, improvisation troupes, and live comedy shows.
3. ANZAC Day - April 25
ANZAC Day is a national remembrance day that honours the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought in World War I. The day starts with a dawn service at the Thomastown War Memorial, which is usually followed by a gunfire breakfast at a local RSL club. Residents can also participate in marches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and other commemorative events.
4. Eid al-Fitr - Dates vary
Eid al-Fitr is one of the major religious festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Thomastown has a large Muslim community, and locals come together to enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, and visit family and friends during this festive time. The event is usually celebrated with traditional dress, music, and decorations.
5. NAIDOC Week - July
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week features various events and activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural workshops. Thomastown residents can participate in events hosted by the local council or get involved in community-led activities.
6. Melbourne Cup Day - First Tuesday in November
Melbourne Cup Day is a world-renowned horse racing event that is celebrated as a public holiday in Victoria. The race is held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne but is broadcast across the country, with millions of Australians stopping to watch the "race that stops the nation." Thomastown residents can attend local Cup Day events, including luncheons, cocktail parties, and special race-day screenings.
7. Christmas - December 25
Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday in Australia, with many people taking time off work to spend with family and friends. Thomastown residents can attend carol services, light displays, and festive markets in the lead-up to Christmas Day. On the day itself, many families enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner, exchange gifts, and spend time together.
Thomastown is a town that offers a variety of nationally or globally recognised annual events. From celebrating national holidays like Australia day and ANZAC day to attending international festivals like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Thomastown has something to offer everyone. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, you'll be sure to find an event that piques your interest and allows you to experience the town in a unique way.