Event organisers of the 25th Tauranga Multicultural Festival says it "was another extravaganza of cultural celebration by our local migrant community".

Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council president Premila D'Mello says there were 40 cultural performances on stage from Latin American to Irish dances and five al-fresco performances with performers of all ages sharing their culture and talents with the audience of more than 4000 people over the day.

"We had mostly local performers from all over the Bay of Plenty representing countries from Ireland, India, China, Korea, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cambodia, Samoa, Korea, Japan, Poland and many more countries.

"We also had performers travel from Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland to perform on our stage."

Premilla says the day concluded with an entertaining band called 'Nakshatra' by Nepalese youth. 

2024 Tauranga Multicultural Festival. Photo supplied.

"The festival grounds were heaving with 35 food stalls selling delicious food from countries like Italy, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, China and many more.

"Art n craft stalls selling items from the different continents.

"Additionally, the festival boasted a Pop-up Art exhibition by seven artists from seven different cultural backgrounds who shared the stories about their roots and their journey to Aotearoa through their art as well as orally in one of the venues in the Historic Village.

"An interactive music  presentation featuring music and drama took attendees on a journey through India, Middle East, Latin America and Europe in yet another venue at the Historic Village."

Premilla says the weather did not stop our wonderful audiences from staying till the curtains dropped. 

"We owe our gratitude to the wonderful volunteers who make this event possible."

"This is a special event for our ethnic communities as well as our local communities which brings us all together as one big family in unity and harmony - it ties us together with the Rope of Unity- Te Taura tangata' .

"The Multicultural Festival is an iconic event on the Tauranga and is part of the Legacy events supported by Tauranga City Council.

"This was the last year of a three year funding cycle and we look forward to gaining the fund though our next application for another three years.

"Having this funding helps organisations like Multicultural Tauranga to host such events for our migrant whanau.

"We also wish to thank the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event fund who were our other major local funders."