After weeks of planning, the Matariki Festival is ready to sparkle in Esk Street tomorrow!

Road closures will be in place as the street is filled with stalls, entertainers, food vendors, and even a giant stage truck!

The festival will begin at 10am with a traditional Maori opening ceremony.

We will have all-day entertainment with a variety of performances including kapa haka, te reo singing, Cook Island drumming and street fire performers to name just a few.

Multicultural food will be available throughout the day. There will be Maori storytelling, face painting and lots of kid’s activities.

Weaving and poi making workshops will offer the opportunity to learn a new craft and be sure not to miss the carving display and weaving art exhibition.

Local crafters will participate as stall holders positioned down Esk Street and in the SIT Arcade.

Don’t forget to check out our awesome retailers, many of whom have entered the shop window display competition, sponsored by the ILT.

ILT president Alan Dennis will present the winning shop with its prize around 3.40pm on the day!

The weather forecast is looking great, so come along and join us for a day filled with fun, art, music and food, 10am to 4pm in Esk Street.