Selwyn’s increasing cultural diversity will be on full display at this year’s CultureFest, with thousands expected to celebrate food, music and traditions from around the world.
The festival takes place at Lincoln Event Centre on Sunday 14 September from 10am to 3pm. Organisers expect more than 5000 people to attend the free family event, which will feature over 30 international food stalls, market stalls, fairground rides, have-a-go dance and sports activities, and performances from more than 20 cultural groups.
Census data shows the district’s population is becoming increasingly diverse, with nearly one in four Selwyn residents born overseas. Among young people under 25, one in three identify their ethnicity as non-European. This year alone, people from 57 different countries became New Zealand citizens at Selwyn District Council ceremonies, with the largest numbers from South Africa, India and the Philippines.
Selwyn District Council’s Executive Director of Community Services and Facilities, Denise Kidd, said the growth reflects the district’s popularity.
“For a few years we have been the most popular place in the country for Kiwis to move to and we are seeing a growing number of people from around the world recognising that Waikirikiri Selwyn is a great place to call home. Each group brings a vibrancy to our community. CultureFest is a celebration of that in food, dance, music, sports and other fun.”
The Canterbury Solomon Islands Association will perform for the third year. Member Presly McRae said the event is both rewarding and important for keeping cultural connections alive.
“CultureFest is a good way to showcase our culture to others. It’s very important. We’re far away from our home; we don’t really have that many other Solomon Islands people here, so it keeps our children involved in the culture, to know their roots, where their ancestors are from and what these dances are about.”
The group will perform three dances from across the island nation, including McRae’s personal favourite, the traditional shield dance using hunting weapons and shields.
The celebrations will continue for two weeks after CultureFest with a series of community events, including international cinema screenings, dance nights, and pool nights for women and girls.
