On the last night of the 2012 Multicultural Festival, Hardy will swap ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs Joy Burch with 500kg of bricks which will then, hopefully, be safely smashed with a sledgehammer.

If successful, the attempt would, according to Hardy, be a world record. It has taken 30 years of concentration to get to this point.

''I use a lot of internal energy and chi to help me prepare myself and endure the weight... it means I have to be reasonably fit for an old bugger,'' he said.

This year those practising kung fu will celebrate the Chinese year of the dragon. Hardy says it is only appropriate to launch the celebration at the Multicultural Festival.

''We are very happy to perform at the Multicultural Festival, because what we teach is culture as well as kung fu,'' he said.

This year the festival is expected to feature 335 stalls and attract 200,000 people. Burch said after last year's record attendance more space and facilities would be provided.

''We found from last year the need to stretch the space a little bit, so we have increased the footprint and we will also increase the opportunity for seating and shelter... families can take five minutes rest and jump back in again,'' she said, adding that the increasing attendance reflects Canberra's love of celebration.

''Given the opportunity to see dance, song and have food from around the globe all in one place, Canberrans just don't want to miss it.''

Canberra CBD Ltd will be providing a sanctuary precinct for children, seniors and mothers.