16 March 2011

The countdown is on until 48 nationalities come together to celebrate cultural diversity at Auckland’s free International Cultural Festival next Sunday.

From 10am to 5pm on 27 March 2011, Aucklanders will be able to experience the region’s largest multicultural festival that features a fantastic line up of authentic food, music, arts, crafts and sport at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park. Best of all, entry is free!

Festival highlights include the Indonesian Wayang Shadow Puppets - brought to life with the Auckland Gamelan Orchestra, Wellington’s Gamelan Padhang Moncar - Indonesian (Javanese) Percussion Orchestra, Making Tracks with Nick D, Kiwi artists such as Don McGlashan partnering with Ethiopian musicians to mix live music and the much-anticipated Ethnic Soccer Cup final.

More than 100 stalls and three stages will showcase an exciting variety of cultures, community groups and organisations. Many of this year’s attractions are new so the one-day cultural extravaganza is a great opportunity for people to come along and try something different, such as making a Thai Loy Krathong (beautifully-decorated, small floating raft), tasting traditional Malaysian food from the Malaysia Kitchen Pavilion or listening to Wellington’s Gamelan Padhang Moncar.

The event will officially be opened at noon by Mayor Len Brown and the Minister of Ethnic Affairs – Hekia Parata. Joining the ceremony is the Trade Commissioner, MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) Sydney – Mr Md Shaiful Md Sharif and the Hon. Phil Goff.

Mayor Len Brown encourages everyone to join the celebration and find out more about the many different cultures that are right here in Auckland.

“The festival is a highlight on Auckland’s events calendar and showcases nationalities from around the world - make sure you mark it in your diaries. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the many ethnic groups to proudly display the cultural diversity they bring to Auckland,” says Mayor Len Brown.

The last Auckland International Cultural Festival in 2009 attracted around 45,000 people.

Established in 1992, Auckland International Cultural Festival 2011 is proudly provided by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd on behalf of Auckland Council and is supported by the Malaysia Kitchen Programme and Mediaworks Radio.

Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events for more information.

ENDS

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