Festival Of Colour Spreads Its Wings

The community halls of the Southern Lakes will be moving and shaking in April with creative music and theatre performances from this year’s Festival of Colour.

The New Zealand Army Band is one of the most diverse musical entertainment organisations in the country with over 30 musicians, many of whom are world-class brass players who have achieved national and international honours in their field. The inclusion of male and female vocalists adds a dynamic punch to the band’s stylish performances. As well as playing on Anzac Day in the Lake Wanaka Centre, the New Zealand Army Band, sponsored by the Otago Daily Times, will take their energetic performance to the village halls of Luggate, Bannockburn, Hawea Flat, Cromwell and Tarras.

The touring programme also provides an additional opportunity to see shows that are sold out at the main venues in Lake Wanaka. Playing Miss Havisham (Hawea Flat, Bannockburn, Arrowtown) and HATCH (Luggate, Hawea Flat, Arrowtown) are two such performances. Both entertaining one-man shows, HATCH, sponsored by Unichem Wanaka Pharmacy, addresses one of the most bizarre chapters in New Zealand history with both humour and a touch of the dark side. Playing Miss Havisham portrays a farmers’ wife whose own life takes on the twists and turns of the Dickens novel, Great Expectations. Audiences can enjoy supper with actress Helen Moulder following the performances at Bannockburn and Hawea Flat with a spread provided by Rural Women New Zealand.

Finally, the rousing sounds of the Jubilation Choir will resonate around the countryside as this powerful ensemble of 30 singers takes gospel with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude to the Luggate Memorial Hall and Old Cheese Factory in Arrowtown.

“Introducing such amazing performers in these wonderful locations promises a very special experience,” said festival director Philip Tremewan. “Many of the venues are steeped in history, such as the Bannockburn Hall or the Old Cheese Factory in Arrowtown and the performers love being there as much as the audience.”

The Festival of Colour runs from April 24 to 29 featuring six days and nights of art, drama, music, comedy and dance from national and international artists and performers, set against the autumnal backdrop of Lake Wanaka. Tickets are available from TicketDirect outlets nationwide or through the Festival web site at www.festivalofcolour.co.nz together with full details of the programme.

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