About Yalla!

About Yalla!

The inaugural Yalla Lebanese Festival was held on 6 December 2009. The event was named the "Yalla" Lebanese Festival after the popularly-used Arabic word meaning "come on!" and "let's go!", welcoming the South Australian community to come and experience the famous Lebanese hospitality and lively culture!

Our motto is "FOOD. MUSIC. DANCE. CULTURE." and each of these are provided in abundance on event day. Feedback from the 2009 Yalla Lebanese Festival was that never before had patrons experienced non-stop music and dance entertainment at a cultural festival. There was definitely a buzz and excitement in the air that Yalla was going to be a strong force in Adelaide's festival calendar for many years to come. This year we expect to have at least 10,000 people pass through the Rundle Parklands on event day.

The Yalla Lebanese Festival is fortunate to be associated with the Adelaide City Council, Multicultural SA, and the Multicultural Education Committee (advisory committee to the Minister of Education), which provides the event with local and state government recognition, support and community integrity.

Community development is a major priority for Y.A.L.A., and as a strong commitment to supporting the Lebanese and wider Australian community, the Yalla Lebanese Festival will remain a not-for-profit event and will facilitate cultural programs throughout the year that promote cultural awareness and participation.

Support for the South Australian Lebanese community will be provided through the Yalla Lebanese Cultural Grant Program, fostering their engagement with cultural activities such as learning Arabic, and participation in traditional music and dance. Part proceeds from event day will be going to Novita Children's Services who provide support for children with brain injuries and serious physical disabilities in SA, and they will have a presence at the Yalla festival in order to stimulate their own fundraising.

This year in 2010, the second Yalla Lebanese Festival aims to be bigger and better!

This year's Yalla Lebanese Festival will run from 11am to 7pm, with food stalls and the main entertainment stage operating throughout the entire day.

We will have two smaller cultural stages operating at various times, featuring demonstrations, workshops and other interactive elements. Patrons being involved in cultural activities enhances their enjoyment and adds considerably to the atmosphere of the day.

We also have children's entertainment and amusement rides which will run throughout the day. We value the involvement of children and families on event day so there will be many targeted activities for children and adolescents, including cultural activities.

The Yalla Lebanese Festival is looking for sponsors to help make the event a success for the second year running -