The beloved multicultural event returned with its biggest line-up ever, featuring more than 50 stallholders, live music and dance performances, celebrity chef masterclasses, food tours and interactive activities for all ages.

The festivities kicked off with a new Friday night pre-event attracting over 4,000 people to enjoy night market-style festivities.

The main event on Saturday drew over 12,000 people, who packed the streets to sample international cuisines, watch live demonstrations and soak in the electric atmosphere.

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek joined in the festivities by participating in a cooking demonstration with celebrity chef, Karima Hazim.

“Apart from trying some of the wonderful dishes, getting involved with the chefs is always a highlight,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Bankstown Bites is a celebration of everything we love. Our multiculturalism, our food and our people and the turnout reflected this.”

“It was incredible to see the streets buzzing with energy and families having a great time.”

This year’s event welcomed special guests, including Sunday Kitchen’s Karima Hazim and S’more Bistro’s Big Sam Young, who wowed crowds with cooking demonstrations, meet and greets and a high-stakes potato-themed bake-off.

Festival MC and My Kitchen Rules fan favourite Arrnott Olssen kept the energy high with performances and audience interaction throughout the day.

Visitors were treated to an array of global flavours including Indian, Middle Eastern and South American BBQ dishes, while children enjoyed free activities such as craft, cooking workshops and comedy shows.

The ever-popular Food Tours sold out fast with over 20+ food tours (400 tickets) on offer to eager foodies discovering hidden culinary gems in Bankstown, Belmore, Panania and Chester Hill.

Festival partners

The festival was proudly sponsored by:

• Western Union
• Bankstown Sports
• Sydney Water
• Sydney Metro

Event supporters:

• Bossman Experiences
• ABC Radio Sydney
• Connect FM 100.9
• Red Bull