As part of Motherland, we are celebrating the many flavours of Africa with a jollof rice cooking competition! Know someone who makes the most delicious jollof rice? Encourage them to apply – the winner takes home $1,000.

The Jollof Rice Cook Off will be held on Saturday 27 April from 5pm till 8pm. Chefs will go head-to-head to be voted Liverpool's best homemade jollof rice by Mayor Ned Manoun and our distinguished judges.

To enter, submit your entry here.

See terms and conditions.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday 24 April.

SCHEDULE

5pm: Cooks arrive
5pm – 7:45pm: cooking commences
7:5pm: dishes must be completed & 5 servings ready
8pm: Mayor & judges tasting
8:30pm: Winner announced & photo on stage

FRIDAY 26 APRIL

SATURDAY 27 APRIL

SUNDAY 28 APRIL

Immerse yourself in the customs of Africa with face painting, hair braiding, painting and drumming all weekend.

FACE PAINTING
5pm – 10pm
Saturday and Sunday

HAIR BRAIDING
5pm – 10pm 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday

PAINTING
5.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
WITH EMMANUEL ASNATE

AFRICAN DRUMMING  
7pm – 9pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
WITH AFRICAN VIBES

Get ready to learn some new moves at our Afrobeats Lounge where the dance floor will be open all night long!

Sydney Afro Sessions will be bringing the beats to Motherland all weekend, so come along and join in.

There will be ample parking available near Macquarie Mall. We also encourage attendees to walk to site or use public transport.

Liverpool Plaza Carpark – on-site. Free parking for 1 hour.

Bathurst Street Carpark – approx. 2 min. walk to site. Free after 6pm.

Warren Serviceway – approx. 5 min walk to site.

Bus Routes - Interline Bus Service.

Closest Train Station - Liverpool Station – followed by an approximate 8-minute walk to event site.

Is this an 18+ event?

No, this is an all-ages event.

Is the Motherland African Festival event free entry?

Yes, entry to this event is completely free.

Where can I get tickets?

You will not be required to book a ticket to enter this event. However, please be advised the event will be adhering to existing public health orders at the time of the event which may include limitations on capacity.

What time can I get there?

The event will begin at 5pm and finishes at 10pm. At the end of the event, However, please be advised the event will be adhering to existing public health orders currently in place which may include limitations on capacity for certain activations.

How do I get updates on this event?

Council will be letting you know what you can expect from the Motherland African Festival event including food vendors on our social media channels so be sure to give us a follow.

Facebook: Liverpool City Council Australia

Instagram: @liverpoolcitycouncil

Is there parking? / How do I get there? 

There will be ample parking available near Macquarie Mall. We also encourage attendees to walk to site or use public transport. Please see details

Liverpool Plaza Carpark – on-site. Free parking for 1 hour.

Bathurst Street Carpark – approx. 2 min. walk to site. Free after 6pm.

Warren Serviceway – approx. 5 min walk to site.

Bus Routes - Interline Bus Service.

Closest Train Station- Liverpool Station –followed by an approximate 8-minute walk to event site.

Is there disabled access / parking at this event?

Accessible parking can be arranged upon request.

Email events@liverpool.nsw.gov.au to discuss your requirements with one of our event staff.

Will I be searched upon entry?

For safety reasons, Council staff, event crew and security reserve the right to check your bags upon entry. Please check our ‘prohibited items’ list below to ensure you are aware of what not to bring to the event.

Can we bring our own food?

You sure can, but why would you? There will be plenty of tasty and affordable food options that cater for every dietary requirement. Food items will be priced to suit a family-friendly budget.

Are there vegan / vegetarian / gluten free options?

There will be plenty of food options that cater for every dietary requirement.

Will there be halal food options?

There will be plenty of food options that cater for every dietary requirement.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted and will be confiscated if found on your person.

Can I smoke at the event?

Smoking will not be permitted outside of the designated smoking areas at the event.

What items are prohibited?  

Items prohibited at Motherland include:

• Alcohol and illicit substances of any kind;
• Glass bottles, glassware or breakable containers;
• Eskies, barbeques or shade structures;
• Weapons of any kind, including any item that can be used as a projectile;
• Knives or Scissors;
• Fireworks, sparklers or flares;
• Laser pointers;
• Drones or any other remote-controlled device;
• Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards or skates;
• Animals (excluding service animals);
• Cameras and recording devices for commercial use (unless approved by Council); and
• Other items deemed by security, police or event coordinators as having potential to cause injury or public nuisance.

Can I bring my dog to the event?

Dogs are allowed on site so long as they are kept on a leash and are well behaved. Council will not tolerate any aggressive behaviour or excessive barking and owners must clean up after their pets. If this is not adhered to, Council staff reserve the right to remove dogs from the event site at any time.

Can I take photos / film at the event?

Yes, photos can be taken for personal use. Professional photography (including the use of tripods for safety reasons) will not be permitted on the night without prior consent from Liverpool City Council’s Communications team.

Contact Liverpool City Council Event Communications Project Lead if you have any queries – kartambisa@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

Will vendors accept cash? 

We strongly recommend you use a credit or debit card to purchase refreshments. Vendors will have EFTPOS facilities available.

Are there ATMs on site?There are multiple ATMs available on-site. All vendors will also have EFTPOS facilities available.

What happens if it rains?

In the event of heavy rain, Council may choose to postpone or cancel an event. Notification will be provided via Council’s social media channels.

Media accreditation?

Media are requested to contact Liverpool City Council Event Communications Project Lead, to receive accreditation to photograph, film or run interviews at the event kartambisa@liverpool.nsw.gov.au

Can I apply to be a stallholder?

Stallholder enquiries can be directed to the Events team at events@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

Who can I contact if I have any further questions?

You can drop a line to the Events team at events@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.