Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

French Fest celebrates Akaroa anniversary

French Fest celebrates Akaroa anniversary

Revellers at this year's French Fest will share in anniversary celebrations marking 175 years of organised European settlement in Akaroa.

The biennial fete returns to picturesque Akaroa from Friday 9 October - Sunday 11 October celebrating the unique culture and heritage of the French settlement.

The festival is the largest Christchurch City Council event to be run on Banks Peninsula with more than 8000 people descending on Akaroa in 2013 for a weekend of Gallic culture, heritage, cuisine and entertainment.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck says this year's festival marks a special milestone in Akaroa's history.

"The festival is always a great reason for families to visit the French heart of New Zealand to share in a weekend of food, fun and festivities. However this year's French Fest is extra special as it will celebrate Akaroa's 175th anniversary of European settlement, showcasing the area's Maori and French heritage.

"With a jam-packed programme including everything from French cuisine to cabaret French Fest is the perfect reason to take a trip over the hill to beautiful Akaroa for a full weekend of celebration and ceremony."

The 2015 French Fest programme includes:

Fete des Lumieres Street Party (Festival of Lights) - with spectacular fire performances, on-street entertainment and creative lighting projections this is a fun event for all ages.

The Landing and Parade - a recreation of 1840 landing of the Comte de Paris immigrant ship, followed by a colourful public parade.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Le Jour du Marche (Market Day) - watch roving entertainers, play interactive games and grab a bite of French cuisine as you browse the market stalls.

Cabaret Evening and Fireworks - Can-can dancers, live music and street performers will act as a great warm-up to before a stunning fireworks finale.

Ki-o-Rahi and Family Fun Day - tying in with the 175 year anniversary celebrations teams will compete in a friendly knock-out competition of Ki-o-Rahi (a traditional Maori game that was taught to the French) and traditional French games.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.