Week-long celebration of cultural diversity in Palmerston North

One of Palmerston North’s longest-standing community events, the Festival of Cultures is set for a week-long, packed programme. Festival-goers can travel the globe exploring the food, music, performances and traditions of some of the many different ethnic groups who make up the population of the Manawatu District.

Opening with the colourful lantern parade and concert on Saturday 17 March, the festival finale is the World Food, Craft and Music Fair on Saturday March 24. Smaller events which showcase and celebrate local cultural diversity, including a Bollywood performance at the Globe and a pot luck lunch, will be held throughout the week.

Musicians performing on Saturday March 24 include Wellington-based 10 piece band Cumbia Brothers who create a Latin party on stage. Other performances booked include Brazilian music, Egyptian and Japanese drumming, Afghan dombra and dances from Fiji, Scotland and North Burma.

“The Festival is Palmerston North’s celebration of our community’s diverse ethnicities through art, culture and lifestyle,” says Ian Littleworth, PNCC’s Community Engagement Manager.

“It is always an uplifting and vibrant event that enables people to see, hear and taste the world in one day. One of the biggest benefits is the new connections people make and the increased appreciation of how cultures celebrate through dance, music and food.”

“Groups who want to showcase food or arts and crafts from their culture are encouraged to have a stall at the fair. Community-led, non-commercial stalls are available with low cost marquees and chiller facilities provided. Full support will be given by the Events Team with health and safety, food safety requirements and set up for community stallholders.”

Registrations for stalls can be made at www.festivalofcultures.co.nz

The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly on the day of the World Food, Craft, & Music Fair. Emailpnevents@pncc.govt.nz for more information.

The Festival is run by Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) in conjunction with the Manawatu Multi-Cultural Council.
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