MEDIA RELEASE
25 October 2005
For Immediate Release

Upper Hutt International Festival Offers Exciting Mix of Cultural and Ethnic Food and Performances!

Fancy a bit of cultural interaction? The Upper Hutt International Festival is returning on Saturday 12 November. This event is held every two years and celebrates the increasing diversity in the city. This year the Festival is sponsored by NZ International Campus, although the blend of cultural and ethnic food stalls and performances remains the same as in previous years.

Virginia Barker, Upper Hutt City Council says, “the International Festival relies on the support of sponsors such as the NZ International Campus, and the Office of Ethnic Affairs, however the ultimate success of this special day of celebration depends on the many community groups that take part and the public who come to watch. It is a true reflection of how much our community values diversity”.

Already about 15 different ethnicities and nationalities are represented at the festival including: Maori, Kiribati, Malta, Philippines, India, Ireland, Latin America, Sudan and South Africa to name but a few. Upper Hutt City Council are still looking for more groups to take part in the festival. Virginia Barker says the festival “is a great opportunity for community groups to raise their profile and take part in a really positive celebration of culture and diversity in Upper Hutt”.

One final difference in this year’s event is the special opportunity for an Upper Hutt resident to win an English Language course. NZ International Campus is giving away 2 free English Language courses for speakers of other languages as part of the International Festival and to support diversity within Upper Hutt. Upper Hutt City Council would like to receive nominations for people who could benefit from these courses.

Upper Hutt International Festival
Riverstone Recreation, Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre
Saturday, 12 November
1 pm – 6 pm

If you or your group are interested in taking part, or want to nominate somebody for the English language course, please contact Virginia Barker as soon as possible on phone 527 2795 or virginia.barker@uhcc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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