Whanganui Festival of Cultures a great success

Published on 09 October 2013

9 October 2014

Organisers of the Whanganui Festival of Cultures were delighted with the 4500-strong turnout on Saturday, October 5.

Seventeen stallholders sold an abundance of food and goods from around the world while local groups showcased their talents at Majestic Square. Organisers said the number of audience members had grown significantly since last year.

The two national performers, the Wellington Batucada Group and New Zealand’s Got Talent star Tawaroa Kawana, were a hit with the crowd.

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy spoke about the importance of events like the Festival to help strengthen communities.

Mayor Annette Main thanked the performers and organisers for their hard work and dedication.

“This Festival is fast becoming an iconic event in our district and people from around the region are travelling to be part of it. It was an absolutely amazing day of colour, sights, smells and entertainment. I am proud our community participates so enthusiastically in an event like this.”

Chair of the Multicultural Action Group, Lupton For, said the organisers couldn’t have hoped for a better day and the highlights were “too many to mention”.

“The large audience loved the Festival and I am sure they will spread the word to those who missed out on being part of such a great day. I would like to thank all the wonderful unpaid volunteers who so generously supported our goals to make the community even more inclusive,” said Mr For.

Mainstreet Wanganui’s Marketing Manager Elise Goodge said the Festival was a success and performers were keen to return next year.

“We are so happy about the turnout and the great vibe on the day. The Festival can only get better and better.”

The Whanganui Festival of Cultures is a collaboration between the Wanganui District Council, the business community, non-profit groups and the general public.

The organisers are asking people who have photos and videos from the Festival to post them on the Whanganui Festival of Cultures Facebook page.