A Welcoming Sydney Venue for Nowruz Celebrations
Nowruz welcomes the new year through family gatherings, cultural displays, shared dining, music, dance and community performances.
Grand Palace Function Centre offers flexible event spaces for Afghan, Iranian, Kurdish, Central Asian and other communities celebrating Nowruz.
Golden Hall up to 400 guests · Diamond Hall up to 200 guests · Catering options available
About Nowruz community celebrations
Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year for many communities. Celebrations often include family gatherings, shared meals, cultural displays, music, dancing and community programs.
Events may be organised by families, cultural associations, community groups or workplaces. Some gatherings focus on a formal dinner with speeches and recognition, while others centre on live music, dancing and social connection.
Grand Palace can discuss the venue layout around your program, guest numbers, catering needs and the way you would like the celebration to flow.
Every community and family celebrates Nowruz differently. The venue setup can be discussed around your traditions, program and dining plans.
How traditions vary between communities
Nowruz is celebrated by many communities, and traditions may differ between families, regions and cultural groups.
Afghan Communities
Celebrations may include traditional music, Attan dancing, community dinners and cultural displays.
Iranian Communities
Gatherings may feature a Haft-Seen display, poetry, music, dancing and shared family meals.
Kurdish Communities
Events may include cultural dress, music, dance and community recognition programs.
Central Asian Communities
Celebrations may involve traditional food, music, dance and family-oriented activities.
The descriptions above are general examples only. Grand Palace does not assume that every community follows the same traditions or program format.
Haft-Seen and other cultural displays
Many Nowruz celebrations include a cultural display such as a Haft-Seen table, traditional items, decorative arrangements or symbolic objects. These displays are often an important part of the celebration.
A suitable area within the hall may be discussed for setting up displays, subject to the selected hall and venue conditions. Placement, access, table requirements and installation arrangements should be confirmed with the events team in advance.
Any display involving flame, candles, smoke or specialist equipment must be disclosed and approved before the event.
Live music and dancing
Many Nowruz events include live music, cultural dancing and a dance floor for guests.
Live Musicians
Stage access, sound checks and performer requirements may be discussed with the events team.
Dance Floor
Flexible floor plans may allow space for cultural dancing and social dancing.
DJ and MC
DJ and MC requirements may be included in the event plan and confirmed in advance.
Sound and Lighting
Microphones, speakers and lighting requirements should be discussed before the event.
Family and children's activities
Nowruz is often a family-centred celebration, and many events include children and younger guests. The layout may be planned to accommodate families comfortably.
Organisers may wish to consider child-friendly seating, food options and appropriate supervision where several children will attend. Activities for younger guests may be discussed as part of the event plan.
Parents and organisers remain responsible for supervising children during the event.
Golden Hall and Diamond Hall
The most suitable hall depends on guest numbers and the space required for tables, stage, displays, catering and the program.
Golden Hall
Up to 400 guestsGolden Hall may suit larger Nowruz community celebrations, cultural galas, dinner dances and events requiring a larger stage or dance-floor area.
- ✦Larger guest lists
- ✦Stage and performance area
- ✦Flexible banquet layouts
- ✦AV and microphone options
- ✦Suitable for larger community programs
Diamond Hall
Up to 200 guestsDiamond Hall provides a more intimate setting for smaller Nowruz gatherings, family celebrations and association events.
- ✦Smaller guest lists
- ✦Close community seating
- ✦Flexible dining layouts
- ✦Stage and AV options
- ✦Private entrance
Final capacity depends on the seating plan, stage, buffet, dance floor, cultural displays, technical equipment and other event requirements.
Catering options for Nowruz events
Sharing food is often central to Nowruz celebrations. Grand Palace offers a range of banquet-menu options, including vegetarian selections, that may be discussed according to the event.
Dietary requirements, cultural preferences and specific menu needs should be discussed and confirmed with the events team during planning. Menu availability, service format and any special considerations may be reviewed based on guest numbers and the event schedule.
External catering may be considered subject to venue approval, conditions and applicable fees.
Safety and display requirements
Some Nowruz traditions and decorations require prior venue approval.
- ✦Candles, flames, smoke and similar decorative or ceremonial items require prior venue approval.
- ✦Any activity involving flame, incense, smoke, cooking, liquids or specialist equipment must be disclosed and approved before the event.
- ✦Cultural displays, installations and decorative arrangements should be discussed with the events team regarding placement, access and venue conditions.
- ✦External decorators may be considered subject to venue approval, access times, installation requirements and venue conditions.
Planning your Nowruz event
Common questions from organisers planning Nowruz community celebrations.
Discussing your Nowruz celebration
Community organisations, families and organisers may contact Grand Palace to discuss expected attendance, cultural displays, catering and the planned event program.
Grand Palace Function Centre
12/219 Parramatta Road, Auburn NSW 2144
