Vibrant, authentic, imaginative, energetic, contemporary and fun… are all words which capture the essence of this year’s Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival.

To celebrate its 21st year, Christchurch primary schools will present Cultural Festival 2001 next month.

The Festival, funded by the Christchurch City Council, first showcased in 1981 and has been running every year since then, because of the efforts of a team of committed volunteers and teachers.

This year’s Festival will take place in the Christchurch Town Hall from 17–20 September, and comprise stage performance, a visual art exhibition and special guests.

A lineup of celebrity MCs, including Stacey Daniels, Kimo Winiata and local Tahu FM announcers, will also feature at the Festival.

Preparations for this year’s Festival are well under way with more than 1600 Canterbury children expected to perform in the Festival, to be held in the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium.

Concerts will run daily 7pm-9.15pm, with a matinee, for the first time ever, on Thursday 20th from 1pm-3pm.

The matinee has become necessary to host the increasing numbers of groups taking part.

Objectives of the Festival include the fostering of participation not competition while striving for excellence, to acknowledge Tangata Whenua, and to create opportunities for development and improving the skills of participants and key personnel involved.

The Festival also seeks to celebrate and promote cultural diversity and to instill in children a sense of pride and excitement in their culture and performance.

Tickets on sale at Ticketek outlets, children 13 years and under $5; adults $10 (group concession – buy 9 tickets, get 10th free). Senior citizens concession $5.

Ends

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