First tulip festival blossoms

Inner City Focus Group/council liaison officer Brigitte Nelson said the festival was all about celebrating what Rotorua has to offer. Photo / Thinkstock

Get ready for a blooming good time at this weekend's inaugural Tulip Festival.

The festival, which is a joint effort between the Rotorua community, the Inner City Focus Group, and the Rotorua District Council, will run from today until Sunday, featuring dozens of activities and events the whole family can enjoy.

The festival aims to promote the city's spring gardens, which produce about 40,000 tulips each year, and celebrate all the things Rotorua has to offer.

The festival will feature market days, guest speakers, a recycled installation of hand-made tulips, a yarn bomb wall, art demonstrations, quilt displays, history of tulips talks, jellybean tulips and more.

A combined Dutch/Turkish market will also be held in Jean Batten Square behind the Rotorua i-SITE tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm.

The major focus will be on walking and biking tours plus a seniors' guided vehicular tour.

Tours will start and finish at the Arts Village but associated venues include Te Runanga Tea House, Jean Batten Square, Rotorua Public Library and Cottage Flair. Most events are free.

Inner City Focus Group/council liaison officer Brigitte Nelson said the festival was all about celebrating what Rotorua has to offer.

She encouraged people to come along to the event and join in the many activities happening throughout the festival.

"Everyone come along, bring the family and have a really fun day out and enjoy it," she said.

The Rotorua District Library will also have plenty to offer, with displays and displays.

The library will have a tulip bookmark trail for people interested to take part in, where people can get a worksheet from the front desk and answer questions they'll find the answers to around the library.

After completing the trail, people can go in the draw to win prizes.

The library will also be running a photo competition, where people can enter online at the library's website.

Library programmes co-ordinator Karisma Vala said there was plenty to do at the library during the festival.

She said it was all part of turning the library into a community hub and strengthening ties with the council and community. "There's definitely lots of interestingly things happening here, so don't miss out."

For more information visit Tulip Fest Rotorua's Facebook page.

Details:

What: Rotorua Tulip Festival
Where: Arts Village, Te Runanga Tea House, Jean Batten Square, Rotorua Public Library and Cottage Flair
When: Today to Sunday
Cost: Free