SYDNEY.- The City of Sydney's annual Living in Harmony Festival will celebrate cultural diversity with a range of free events until the end of April.

"Sydney is one of the most diverse cities in the world, boasting people from more than 180 nations, speaking 140 languages," Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said. "The Living in Harmony Festival is an opportunity to learn about each other and enjoy our community's cultural offerings."

Events include cross cultural tours, workshops, a seniors ball and youth refugee photographic exhibition.

The Festival is centred around Harmony Day on 21 March which is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

"Harmony Day is about reflecting on our community's success as a multicultural society, and recommitting to continued respect, goodwill and understanding toward all Australians," Ms Moore said.

Festival Highlights:

Seniors Week Ball - Dancing in Harmony - Seniors from many cultural backgrounds will come together to dance and experience traditional English high tea and enjoy performances. Date: Thursday 19 March 2009. Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Venue: Paddington Town Hall. Bookings: Raphael Hung 9298 3103 or Vicky Skarlatos on 9246 7823.

Ultimo Pyrmont Uptown Festival - A free family day of performances, workshops, prizes, rides, international food stalls, craft stalls and activities for all age groups with a harmony theme. Date: Harmony Day - Saturday, 21 March 2009. Time: 11:00am - 4:30pm. Venue: Quarry Green, (Quarry Street off Harris Street), Ultimo. Enquiries: Harris Community Centre on 9552 1140

Chinese Cultural Days - Learn about Feng Shui, Willow Pattern painting, Tea Ceremonies, Kung Fu, entertain the kids with Chinese art and craft, and watch Chinese cultural performances in the beautiful surrounds of the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. Date: Wednesday 15 April (workshops) and Friday 17 April 2009 (performances). Time: 10:30am - 4:00pm both days. Venue: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour. Bookings: Susana Ng 9246 7874, livinginharmony@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Youth in Harmony Photographic Exhibition - Showcasing artworks by young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds which challenge stereotypes. Dates: 22 April - 30 April 2009. Venue: Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, 64 Pine St Chippendale. Bookings/enquiries: Larisa Asimus 9319 0288, cssyouth@eccnsw.org.au

Cross-Cultural Tours - Join experienced guides on one of these free informative tours to learn more about the diverse cultural heritage of the people and places in our community. Bookings essential: Michelle Thomas on 9246 7878, mithomas@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

The Great Synagogue - Date: Tuesday 24 March 2009. Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Venue: The Great Synagogue, 166 Castlereagh St, Sydney. The Great Synagogue is one of Sydney's most beautiful, fascinating and historic heritage buildings. The Synagogue has stood on its present site since 1878, but the congregation itself has a history going back to the decade of the 1820s.

Auburn Gallipoli Mosque - Date: Monday, 30 March 2009. Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Venue: Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, Auburn. The mosque is not only a place for daily ritual prayer but represents a place of weekly gathering for all Muslims in the neighbourhood. Auburn Gallipoli Mosque has been built predominantly with community funds over a period of more than a decade. The mosque is built in traditional Ottoman style, with a high domed ceiling, ornate calligraphy and embroidery, and is furnished with Turkish marble.

Aboriginal Heritage Tour - Date: Friday, 3 April 2009. Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens. Join Royal Botanic Garden's Aboriginal Education Officer, Clarence Slockee, for a journey of discovery. Uncover the Royal Botanic Gardens' rich Aboriginal heritage, experience traditional music, dance and artefacts and taste some bush food.

The Rocks Walking Tour - Date: Monday, 20 April 2009. Time: 10:30 am - 12:00pm. Venue: The Rocks. Discover the haunts of soldiers, sailors, convicts and merchants, view some of Sydney's historic buildings, lovely courtyards and cottages, and be entertained with the true tales of Sydney's colorful past.

Full Living in Harmony Festival program, including author talks at our library, available here: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson or phone 9265 9333.