Yes, this is really Docklands

Yes, this is really Docklands

You could be forgiven for thinking this crowd shot was taken at the St Kilda Festival or a similarly popular event.  But it was taken on February 12 in Docklands at the hugely popular Japanese Summer Festival.

The organisers are claiming that 100,000 people participated and, while Docklands News does not necessarily accept this figure, there were an awful lot of people there.

The festival plans to return to Waterfront City again next year.

The festival, also known as “Natsu-matsuri”, is traditionally held every summer in Japan.

It was traditionally celebrated as a reminder of the gratitude one should feel toward one’s ancestors. A traditional dance, called “Bon Odori”, is performed at the festival where cotton kimonos are worn by the dancers.

The Docklands version also featured the dance, as well as live entertainment and many carnival-type stalls.

Join Our Facebook Group