The free event will showcase the food, music, art and dance from more than 25 community groups and individuals from Sudan, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, India, Middle East, Philippines, Ireland, Scotland, Africa and Australia.

Warrnambool City Council events and promotion co-ordinator Rebecca Elmes said the energetic drumming of Melbourne's Asanti Dance Theatre, which specialises in African dance and music, would have everyone up and dancing before the group held an interactive drumming workshop.

"The festival promotes a real community spirit with groups from around the region serving authentic foods from all corners of the globe and paying homage through performance to their ethnic heritage," she said.

For the first time, a Maypole dancing demonstration on the Civic Green will be among the entertainment and colour of the festival.

The English folk dance will be performed by eight students from Melissa's Dance School.

The dancers were taught by Mercellez Diamantis.

She said she was keen to pass on the tradition to the next generation.

"My mother was a dancer and she taught me when I was a little girl," Mrs Diamantis said yesterday.

"I'm looking forward to seeing it on the Civic Green."

The girls will dance around the Maypole that was built by Flagstaff Hill volunteers for a performance at the maritime museum last year.

The students will hold a coloured ribbon that they will intertwine during the performance.

TAFE students will also be cooking up a storm during the festival and showcasing their talents alongside the many other cultural dishes on offer during the day.

Bourke musician Tonchi McIntosh will be a feature of the festival, playing his brand of folk/rock fusion influenced by his Aboriginal and Mexican lineage.

Children’s activities including face painting, origami and poi twirling workshops will be held throughout the day.

The Gnatannwarr Multicultural Festival will be held on Saturday at the Civic Green from 11am and marks the launch of the statewide Cultural Diversity Week running from March 14 to 21.