Thursday 12 September 2013

Piper Heidsieck French Fest brings the jet-set to Akaroa

It’s trendy, it’s sophisticated, it’s cosmopolitan – the Piper Heidsieck French Fest returns to Akaroa from Friday 11 – Sunday 13 October, giving revellers the chance to enjoy a taste of France in the heart of New Zealand.

Mayor Bob Parker says the biennial fête, which saw more than 10,000 people descend onto Akaroa in 2011, is the largest Christchurch City Council event to be run on Banks Peninsula.

“Piper Heidsieck French Fest is one of the premium events on our events calendar, with a mature appeal that has brought plenty of families over to Akaroa for a weekend of French culture, heritage, cuisine, wine and entertainment – all nestled within the natural beauty of New Zealand’s only French settlement.”

The programme includes:

Beach Road Soirée – a low-key evening full of atmosphere and culture, with open-air dining on Beach Road, roving entertainers and café-style accordion music from Lizzie Cook.

The Landing and Parade – a recreation of the 1840 landing of the Comte de Paris immigrant ship, followed by a spectacular parade and opening ceremony.

Festivale dans La Verte (Festival on the Green) – featuring the madcap French Waiters’ Race, an Art Auction hosted by hopelessly untalented “French” artist Jared Corbin, live music, a French-themed market, activities Pour Les Enfants (for the kids) and pétanque.

French Fest Mardi Gras – Akaroa’s first-ever Mardi Gras Parade. Can-can dancers, street performers and vintage vehicles will wind their way down Rue Lavaud to the Rec Ground, followed by a Carnival Party with live music, comedy and dance.

French Cricket – in the best traditions of 20/20 and backyard cricket comes the French Cricket Tournament, played for fun and bragging rights.

Mayor Parker says, “As someone who’s played in the French Cricket Tournament in previous years, I can assure you that it turns a lot of erstwhile adults very competitive, and that The Outwits take a very laissez-faire approach to their umpire duties. It’s terrific fun and quite the spectacle.”

For more information please visit www.frenchfest.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media