A Sample of Cultural Festival 2003 in Cathedral Square

20 August 2003

Free Friday Lunchtime Concert, Friday August 22, 12.15pm to 1.15pm, Cathedral Square

Four schools will present a preview of their performance planned for Cultural Festival 2003, this Friday lunchtime in Cathedral Square.

The Festival takes place from August 25 to 29 at the Christchurch Town Hall, and features cultural performances from over 65 groups, with 16 cultures represented.

Cultural Festival 2003 is in it’s 22nd year and grew from Maori cultural beginnings but now embraces many other cultures including Chinese, Egyptian, Fijian, Indian, Irish, Japanese, Maori, Korean, Pakeha, Rarotongan, Samoan, Scottish and Tongan. The festival aims to celebrate and promote cultural diversity and instil in children a sense of pride in their culture and cultural performance.

Event Manager Ali Nauman says the festival is about participation and not competition. "Children, families, communities and schools all benefit from being involved and it’s a great way for kids to feel good about who they are and what they can contribute."

Schools participating have been rehearsing for months. This Friday’s preview features Chisnallwood Intermediate presenting Kapa Haka, Samoan and Cook Island performances, Aorangi School and Discovery 1 presenting Kapa Haka, and Shirley Intermediate performing Kapa Haka and Rarotongan items.

The Festival features guest MC Jason Fa’afoi from televisions’ ‘What Now’, Schimpal Lelisi from ‘Tangata Pacifica’ and Sheree Waitoi from Tahu FM.

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