Festival Countdown #20 - Wanaka finds its rhythm

Festival Countdown #20 - Wanaka finds its rhythm

The sounds and dance of Latin America found its way into even the most stubborn feet last night as Ole Ola took the Lake Wanaka Centre by storm. Spectacular costumes, jaw-dropping dancing and superb music, it was definitely a night to remember for a long time, especially for several locals who took to the stage.

Princesses for a day at the Palace

Today's street theatre promises to bring some magic to the streets of downtown Wanaka today between 10.00am and 2.00pm with contortionists, stilt walkers,musicians and acrobats.

And for Wanaka's youngest residents, the magic will continue at the Central Lakes Trust Crystal Palace at lunchtime (12-1.30pm) and afternoon tea (3.30 - 5.00pm) when they can be a prince or princess of the Palace. Come in dress-ups and enjoy cup cakes and fluffies and be a prince or princess for the day.

Celebrate your weekend in true Festival of Colour style with these great shows. Tickets available for the following performances on Friday:

• 10.30am in the Central Lakes Crystal Palace - Listen to Joe Bennet and Rod Oram debate New Zealand's clean and green image. These two are great sparring partners. Tickets $10, available on the door.
• At 2.30pm in the Crystal Palace, Joe Bennett and Rod Oram .financial journalist and broadcaster, talk about the global climate change crisis and open up a discussion about local solutions.
• Guru of Chai in Glenorchy - tickets $36 on the door.
• Jennifer Ward-Lealand plays Rita Angus while Michael Houstoun plays the music of Douglas Lilburn in this beautiful new play, Rita and Douglas, about their complicated and unusual relationship. Lake Wanaka Centre, 7pm (Sold Out) 9.30pm - tickets $36.
• Anna Coddington, one of New Zealand's foremost heroines of independent pop music, brings her beautiful sound to the Central Lakes Crystal Palace, 8.30pm. Tickets $36.
• Riverside Drive and HOTEL continue their sell out seasons.
Tickets for all shows available at Lake Wanaka Centre box office 9am to 7pm, or click here or phone 03 443 4172.
Remember to check the trade and exchange board in the foyer of the Lake Wanaka Centre if you have any tickets to sell or want to buy tickets to sold out shows.

And see the gallery of festival photos at http://www.wanakaphotography.co.nz/festival2011/he1e2768#h2305ca33

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