Headline Chef annouced for Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026

SHINJU MATSURI ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY CHEF ARRNOTT OLSSEN FOR 2026
Friday 21 August - Sunday 6 September 2026 (17 days)

Shinju Matsuri (Festival of the Pearl), is proud to announce celebrated chef and food personality Arrnott Olssen as the headline culinary guest for the 2026 Sunset Long Table Dinner, returning to Broome’s infamous Cable Beach on Saturday 5th September 2026.

Running from Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2026, Shinju Matsuri will deliver 17 days of colour, culture, food, music and celebration across Broome, bringing locals and visitors together during one of the town’s most vibrant times of year.

Known for his bold, produce-driven cooking style and strong focus on storytelling through food, Arrnott Olssen has become one of Australia’s most recognised culinary personalities. His work celebrates local ingredients, connection to place and the experience of sharing food, making him a natural fit for Shinju Matsuri and Broome’s unique multicultural story.

“I’m absolutely honoured and incredibly excited to be part of the iconic Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome this year. A festival with a rich history and 55 years of celebration is something truly special to be part of. I can’t wait to bring my Fijian flavours together with beautiful Western Australian produce to create something memorable” It’ll be my very first visit to Western Australia and knowing Broome has a Fijian community there that I may get to connect with makes this trip even more meaningful”.

Set against the backdrop of Cable Beach at sunset, the Sunset Long Table Dinner has become one of Shinju Matsuri’s signature events, combining exceptional food, coastal scenery and the rich flavours and stories of the Kimberley.

Joining Arrnott for the 2026 beach dining experience will be Broome’s own Executive Chef Chamalou Talip, whose internationally recognised culinary career spans award-winning venues across Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi before bringing her expertise to the Kimberley food scene.

Chef Chamalou’s cuisine is deeply inspired by the Broome region, celebrating seasonal local produce, premium meats, pristine seafood and native botanicals unique to the Kimberley. Her refined contemporary approach and passion for regional ingredients continue to position Broome as an emerging culinary destination.

The 2026 Shinju Matsuri program features a vibrant mix of art and cultural events, live performances, community celebrations and iconic festival experiences including:

• Shinju Opening Ball

• Chinatown Feast

• Carnival of Nations

• Shinju Float Parade

• Floating Lantern Matsuri

• Sand ’n’ Sounds

• Festival Hub activations and daily events across town

Since its inception in 1970, Shinju Matsuri has celebrated the multicultural communities and pearling historythat has helped shape Broome, evolving into one of regional Western Australia’s most recognised cultural festivals.

Shinju Matsuri is proudly supported by the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia.

Tickets are available now at www.shinjumatsuri.com.au