Dancing in the rain all part of the fun at Whanganui's Festival of Cultures

They were dancing in the rain at Whanganui's Majestic Square for the annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday.

Multi-cultural performers and food vendors entertained and fed the large crowd through rain or shine as promised.

Whanganui kapahaka group Te Taikura o te Awa Tupua kicked off the performances after the official welcome from kaumatua John Maihi.

The performance was followed by Latin, Fijian, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Indian and Samoan singing and dancing as well as performances from St George's choir and Kuki Airani Tamariki.

"I want to thank them all on behalf of the committee for being so well prepared," organiser Kelly Scarrow said.

"It was great to see performers and audience members dancing in the rain - it added to the fun."

Image 1 of 10: Whanganui Festival of Cultures in Majestic Square: Te Taikura o te Awa Tupau Kapahaka. Saturday, October 27, 2018 Whanganui Chronicle photograph by Bevan Conley.

The Whanganui War Memorial Centre which has served as the wet-weather back-up in previous years is closed for renovations.

"The festival committee decided that we would go ahead rain or shine and everyone was well prepared.

"Most of the performers and vendors were repeat participants and when the rain came down they just carried on through."

The festival organisers partnered with Sustainable Whanganui to minimise waste this year and Scarrow said she was optimistic about results.

"Vendors made good use of compostable packaging and I think the crowd made a real effort so I'm guessing it went well."

Scarrow said she wished to thank the Whanganui community for supporting the Festival of Cultures in its eighth year.

The festival is sponsored by Whanganui District Council, NZ Lotteries Commission, The Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGs), Creative Communities and More FM.