North-west Christchurch is hosting a cultural extravaganza on 22 February at Ray Blank Park on Maidstone Road.

Running from midday to 4pm, Culture Galore! is a community cultural festival that celebrates the colourful diversity of our community.

The free festival will feature performances by more than 40 groups representing a range of cultures, including China, Spain, Egypt, Taiwan and several Pacific Islands, as well as Irish and Korean dance acts taking the stage.

Entertainment and have-a-go opportunities include belly and flamenco dance.

This will be complemented by children’s activities like a bouncy castle, kite flying, face painting and pony rides.

Tastebuds and other senses will be tempted by an array of exotic foodstuffs to sample and purchase.

This is the third year this event has been held with the support of the Council’s Riccarton/Wigram and Fendalton/ Waimairi Community Boards, and event sponsor Plains FM96.9.

Plains FM96.9 helps migrants and ethnic communities with living in a new place by giving groups opportunities to broadcast on the station.

“Culture Galore is a natural extension of our activities in the community,” says the station’s Richard Liddicoat. “It will be a fantastic event.”

“Culture Galore gives you the chance to give your family a free, colourful and entertaining sneak preview of an around-the-world tour, without the jet-lag,” says the Council’s event organiser Jacqui Leask.

• Among the stalls at Culture Galore will be one by the Council’s Christchurch City Libraries. You can enter a competition to win book and music vouchers, find out about your nearest library and even become a library member.

• “Culture Galore’s a great opportunity to find out about new services we offer, including being able to phone the library to get the information you need without even leaving home,” says Christchurch City Libraries’ Manager, Sue Sutherland.