Global Gathering : MasterChef Takeover

Global Gathering 2025 : MasterChef Takeover
Beaumont St, Hamilton (Between James & Donald Streets)
2pm - 9pm, Sat 4 Oct

The food’s been prepped, the oven warmed, and we’re ready to learn the tips and tricks of our fave MasterChef contestants this Saturday, October 4th! With a range of live cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, performances, workshops and food, Global Gathering is set to be the the community celebration we all need. 

Our fabulous hosts, Jennifer Wong and Benjamin Law will welcome you to Global Gathering and guide you on your cultural adventure during the day. To get the most out of the afternoon, visit the Global Gathering Schedule here

Float between the Main Stage and the Food Stage, while checking out the street activity. Here’s our guide on how to get the most out of this fantastic, family-friendly event.

Food Stage with MasterChef Contestants
Starting at 2:45, join adored international chef Depinder Chhibber and her homestyle Thali (traditional, balanced Indian food) meals as she teaches you what makes her restaurant, Ghar, so amazing. Learn how to cook up a feast that will leave everyone jealous of your skills, and make a reservation at Ghar for food you’ll always come back to.

Then at 3:45, join Reece Hignell, known as Cake Boi, for his demonstration on his crowd-favourite cakes and everything sweet. Visit his shop, Cake Boi, to try his whole range of tasty, baked goodness. Head over to Maclean's Books to grab a copy of ‘Cakeboi: A Collection of Classic Bakes’, or ‘Cakeboi Goes Vegan’, and grab a signature from Reece himself.

At 4:45, do we have a sweet treat for you! Emelia Jackson brings you cookies, cakes, and dessert for days with her cooking demonstration. From travelling around the world to share her baking, to our own stage at Global Gathering, you don’t want to miss this demo. Once she’s done, jump to Maclean's Books and grab either of her books, ‘First, Cream the Butter and Sugar’, or ‘Some of My Best Friends Are Cookies’, and get them signed by the Cookie Queen herself!

Finishing off at 5:30, we have a Chinese Mauritian extravaganza with Brendan Pang. Brendan brings you recipes he grew up loving, reimaged and enhanced through his own personal twist. With easy Asian home cooking that will switch up the way you know how to cook, watch Brendan’s demo and learn some skills to bring into your own kitchen. Grab a copy of his book ‘This is a Book About Street Food’, and grab a signature to astound everyone from Maclean’s Books after the demonstration.

Main Stage Performances
Starting at 2pm, we have a fun afternoon of dance and performance on the main stage, all entirely free! Drop by and watch these amazing performers in between the food demonstrations. 
2:00 PM - Introduction to hosts Jennifer Wong & Benjamin Law
2:05 PM - Welcome to Country - Winanga-y Dreaming
2:15 PM - Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam Dance Group
2:25 PM - Salafai Central
2:45 PM - Newcastle RSL Pipe Band & Dancers
3:05 PM - Newcastle Flamenco Dance
3:35 PM - Paco Lara Music & Dance
4:05 PM - Daniel Bourgeois Vietnamese Harp
4:15 PM - Big Jarda World Music
5:45 PM - Greek Dance Performance
6:25 PM - IHO NYX
7:25 PM - ILE ILU
8:20 PM - GabzaK & Dance of Worlds

What’s On - Street Activity
After a long afternoon of dancing, cooking and learning, we bet you’ve worked up an appetite. Head to any of the food trucks around the street to grab a bite to eat, and take a break away from the stage.
Ready to try some interactive activities? We have a range of workshops and hands-on activities for families. 
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Najo’s Free Henna
2:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Ngiarrenumba Burrai Our Country Workshops
2:30 PM - 7:00 PM - University of Newcastle Paper Folding
2:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Salafai Central Face Painting
2:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Good Folk & Vera Wine - Festival Bars

Bring your friends, bring your family, and prepare for a free afternoon full of fun and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Wet Weather Contingency
In the unlikely event of extreme weather impacting this event, news will be posted on social media and on this event page. We will also email all those who have registered for updates.
New Annual acknowledges the assistance of the NSW Government through the Transport for NSW "Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program", and the Multicultural NSW "Stronger Together"grant. Without their support, Global Gathering would not be possible.