Called "11Affirm", the festival is being held on Saturday 6 December from 11am to 4pm at Wainoni Park in Hampshire Street. It's the second year the free event's been held and organisers are urging people to be part of the community celebration.

"It's shaping up to be the biggest celebration in Aranui's history," says Aranui Community Trust Coordinator Rachael Fonotia. "We want to show that Aranui is a good place to live and promote it to the wider Christchurch community. It's a celebration of our people and our culture."

Other drawcards include entertainment from 5th Element, QUE, FUSA and local radio personality Sharee Waitoa. Performances will be given by local cultural groups including Sagato Iakapo, Te Kotahitanga and Aranui School cultural group. The festival aims to "open the doors of opportunity" by providing information about careers, education and health-related services in a fun family atmosphere.

"A number of health organisations will be presenting information on healthy living and lifestyle choices as well as offering plenty of giveaways. There will also be several stalls dedicated to Aranui-based services for youth and families," Rachael says. Food from Aranui's many local cultures will be available and entertainment for children will be part of the carnival atmosphere. Activities for kids include free pony rides, kite flying, rock painting, weaving, lolly scrambles, basketball and a giant mega slide.

The festival has its roots locally. The first event in 2002 was organised by the Aranui community as part of the Aranui Community Renewal Project - a partnership between the City Council, Housing NZ and the local community. This year's festival is being organised by the Aranui Community Trust Inc Society. Funding for the festival is provided by Christchurch City Council, community sponsors, the Aranui Community Trust Inc Society and Housing NZ.