10th annual Multi-Cultural festival in Rotorua

Ethnic Council announces plans for 10th annual Multi-Cultural festival

08/03/2006

The Rotorua Ethnic Council is gearing up for its 10th Multi-cultural festival, bringing ethnic cultural groups together, along with other members of the community, to celebrate diversity and promote respect for different communities resident in the district.

The festival has been operating on an annual basis since the formation of the Rotorua Ethnic Council 10 years ago and Council President, Pieter Van Etten, is optimistic of a good turn out and strong local support, which has been forthcoming in past years. Mr Van Etten is calling upon local residents and interested people from far and wide to attend the festival which will play host to a variety of cultural performances, ethnic and national foods and provide an opportunity for cross cultural interaction to take place.

“The festival is an opportunity for Rotorua residents to sample the food of many ethnic groups and to see their culture being given life on the stage as well,” Mr Van Etten said.

Mr Van Etten emphasized the value of the festival experience in creating understanding, goodwill and respect for diversity. “The festival is about celebration, enjoyment and engagement between cultures - absolutely everybody is invited and we warmly welcome their attendance.”

Whilst there will be out-of-town talent on display, the festival will also draw a strong local flavour from the participation of the various ethnic groups in town. Amongst the list of confirmed participants are: The Southern African Club of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Indian Association, a Falun Dafa group and Pacific Island groups as well.

The festival will be held on Saturday 18th March, from 11am - 4pm, at the Sportsdrome and will be pre-ceded by a parade of nations through the city streets, commencing at 10:00am near the Polynesian Pools. Admission is by gold-coin donation but children will be admitted free of charge.

ENDS

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