Press Release 1 February 2011

Come Party in the Bay - Island Bay Festival 2011

In its 27th year, Island Bay will again explode with events in its annual festival celebrating the unique Island Bay community.

Island Bay Festival features over 50 fabulous events with something to appeal to everyone, and most of the events are free. The festival launches on Saturday 12 February and goes through to Sunday 20 February.

Island Bay Festival Coordinator Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab says the theme of the festival this year focuses on integrating all areas of our community – from
senior citizens to pre-schoolers, from sports to the arts, while taking into account all the different cultures and beliefs that colour our community. “To help capture this spirit of togetherness, we are planning Olympic-style opening and closing ceremonies which will include the presentation of an Olympic-style baton and a time capsule. All sectors of the community are being encouraged to put items into the time capsule during the nine day festival that represents their presence in Island Bay. Drop items to the Island Bay Community Centre after February 13th.”

The highlight of the festival has traditionally been A Day in the Bay, and this year’s event won’t disappoint. A Day in the Bay is on from 10am – 6pm on Sunday 13 February and encompasses loads of festivities including a bustling street market, arts and crafts, the Big Dig, Blessing of the Boats, fair rides, children’s entertainment and performances from some of Wellington's top bands - The Aviators, Nudge, Bebe Deluxe, and the Good Words. The day is held in conjunction with the local Italian community who will be showcasing a mini festival of their own. Roads in the area around the Island Bay beach and Shorland Park will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. Parking will be available at the Owhiro Bay end of the Esplanade for a gold coin donation.

New events this year include a Mayoral Dog Walk, Seniors Soap Making class, Strong Man Competition, a night of Sea Shanties and Southern Shipwreck Stories and a Baby Disco especially for under 5’s. There will be plenty of outdoor summer action on offer with sandcastle, soccer and bowling competitions, yoga on the beach and a swim from the island. Also look out for the 5k run/walk that will take you up into the hills to experience the gorgeous views of the ocean and the Island Bay community. Or unleash your creative side and learn the craft of mural making out of masking tape, take part in the Big Chalk Up or attend to an evening of poetry around the theme of the Pacific Ocean.

For the full programme and more information about the festival visit: festival.islandbay.net.nz

ENDS

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