The poppies have been created to acknowledge the event falls on Remembrance Day, while a later start time of midday has also been introduced.

Local films, animations and interactive art will also be added to the rich arts and cultural program after council called for resident’s input in April on what they liked about the festival, what worked and what didn’t.

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“Lots of our activities and things are continually being evaluated … and the community is changing,” Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said, noting new ethnic groups were adding to the vitality of the city.

Formed in 2000, Viva was originally a multi-day arts and cultural festival, at one point stretching up to 16 days.

It was relaunched in its current one-day format in 2007, after a survey found the community wanted increased participation, more attractions and local cultural events.

www.vivalagongfestival.org