THE region's longest running arts festival is ready to celebrate for the 26th annual Shepparton Festival.

Despite a challenging year, the Greater Shepparton community has come out strong and the festival will be highlighting the hard work and talent in the region with this year's theme 'Thrive'.

Shepparton Festival will be kicking off on Friday, March 18 with more than 25 immersive events taking place in the region until Sunday, April 3.

Shepparton Festival creates a space for local artists to shine with public art displays, gallery exhibitions and workshops.

One of the stand out events on the Shepparton Festival program is Converge on the Goulburn, a multicultural festival bringing people together through performances, art and food.

Converge aims to embrace, preserve and celebrate the regions greatest assets; its multiculturalism and is held in the heart of Greater Shepparton, Victoria Park Lake, on Saturday, March 19.

As the regions' arts and culture is celebrated in March, it is fitting that the one year anniversary of the new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) Building falls in March also.

Last year the building opened its doors to the SAM Shop, Kaiela Arts Indigenous studio and Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre.

As the year evolved, the Gallery introduced its first exhibition as well as welcoming the SAM Café.

To celebrate the progress of the region, a new event has been introduced to the calendar, Illuminate.

The SAM Precinct at Victoria Park Lake will come to life for a two day light festival on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March.

The festival will feature a mesmerising light display, a striking laser show, glowing live music line–up, flavour punching food trucks and inquisitive roving performers.

This event you don't want to miss.

For more information on Shepparton Festival visit their website www.sheppartonfestival.org.au.

For more information on events, arts and culture activities in the region visit www.visitshepparton.com.au.