ON STAGE: Surnoorpur Indian Folk Dancers. Photo/supplied
ON STAGE: Surnoorpur Indian Folk Dancers. Photo/supplied
Every year the Historic Village becomes a United Nations of people, where the different cultures are celebrated.
This year preparations for the Tauranga Multicultural Festival are in full swing and Welcoming Diversity is the event's motto.
One of the key acts will be local group The Whittakers, playing on themain stage from 3pm. But true to the motto of the day, more than 20 ethnic groups, among them a Samoan youth group or children from the Korean School and the Polish Language School, will be showing their national songs and dance.
A display organised by Parewhati Taikato, Me Kotahi Tatou Exhibition - We are One, exhibiting her weaving, painting and sculptures by other Maori artists will be shown in the old cafe building.
A Welcome to Tauranga Migrant Support hub for migrants will have representatives of various organisations on site to serve as a one-stop-shop for information. One lucky visitor is going to leave this no alcohol, no smoking, green event with a $500 spot prize donated by ANZ Bank.
Festival Director Ewa Fenn encourages visitors to take part in the Parade of Nations at noon. Multicultural Tauranga provides flags and country name signs, but everybody can also come with their own flag. "And don't forget to bring something to sit on - a folding chair or a blanket to watch the stage programme."
Thanks to the BoP Regional Council children can ride free on the Bay Hopper network from 8am to 6pm on Saturday. Just clip out the ticket on Multicultural Tauranga's website and present it to the driver.
the fine print What: Tauranga Multicultural Festival Where: The Historic Village When: Saturday, 10am-4pm.
