The countdown is on! Over 3,800 children are in rehearsal for the 30th Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival to be held at CBS Canterbury Arena from 4-7 September. Seventy groups from Canterbury – including over 50 kapa haka groups – will perform at this year’s celebration.

Te Puni Kōkiri is proud to be associated with the festival, also known as Cultural Festival 2012. Multicultural performances representing over ten cultures will be featured, together with a Visual Art Exhibition and Wearable Art Pageants. Popular MC’s Matai Smith and Sheree Waitoa will co-host the festival again.

Featured in this showcase are traditional and contemporary performances by a record 60 of Canterbury’s most accomplished primary and Intermediate schools. Seven concerts will be held over the four days.

The festival seeks to celebrate and promote cultural diversity and instil in children a sense of pride and excitement in their culture and performance. Tickets are available from Ticketek, adults $15, children 13 years and under $8. Conces sions to participant schools; service fees apply.

Cultural Festival 2012 is a great opportunity to experience an authentic, vibrant celebration of the many different cultures in Aotearoa. Don’t miss this year’s showcase! Check out www.culturalfestival.co.nz for more information.