As the rain poured down, the people poured in!

Southbank3006’s A Very Merry Friend-mas event has fast become the most successful community event held in Southbank, drawing an impressive 1000 attendees from all parts of the community, despite the wet day on Saturday, December 9. 

The event echoed the season’s sentiments featuring a wide array of performances celebrating the different cultures that make up our vertical village. 

Fellow Southbank resident, the very talented actor and comedian Courtney Crisfield, commanded the audience as she served as MC for an impressive line-up including Salsa dancers from MBassy Dance Studio, Tai Chi demonstrations, K.Pop dancers from Dare Crew and The SJ Crew Bollywood dancers whirling in a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour. 

The sound of loud drumming summoned Chinese Lions, who danced their way down the rickety staircase at Boyd Community Hub, performing an inspiring display and sprinkling good luck among the community.

Undeterred by the weather outside, we made use of every room in Boyd. Upstairs, Mr Twist and Jay Christo entertained children and adults alike with amazing and mind-bending magic tricks. 

Downstairs, the Assembly Hall was filled with festive music masterfully played by the traditional sounds of the Salvation Army Band followed by Madii Leeds with a contemporary twist on the classic carols. 

The Junior Rangers set up a wildlife display and spent time sharing their knowledge with a stream of inquisitive Southbankers. 

Three professional face painters churned out works of art on smiling faces, the young, and the young at heart, took part in the interactive circus play, spinning cups, juggling balls twirling ribbons with the ever-so-sparkly Donna Sparx and the City of Melbourne staff members ran a Fairy Floss station that put a sweet touch on the day.

Not to be forgotten, neighbourhood doggos took part in the annual Southbank Dog Parade donning their best outfits, performing their best trick, or relying on sheer cuteness to win prizes. 

Southbank comedian Adam Sparnon ran the dog show with typical flare and managed an illustrious panel of judges including Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Nina Taylor MP and Josh Burns MP.

A visit from Santa Clause rounded off the event where children sat wide-eyed with excitement and wiggled impatiently as they waited for their turn to share their wish list with the man in the big red suit.

A Very Merry Friend-mas was made possible by the tireless work of Southbank3006 committee volunteers, generous financial support of Platinum Sponsors, MICM and DGtek Pineapple Net, and a community grant from The City of Melbourne.