Amplifier

26.02.08

The annual Newtown Festival will fill the streets of one of the city's most vibrant suburbs from 29 February to 8 March 2008, with the Newtown Fair Day taking place on Sunday 2 March.

Now in its 12th year, the festival is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the Newtown community, with 2008 promising to be the biggest and best yet! With events ranging from music and street theatre to cultural dance and the highly anticipated Fair Day, it is a kaleidoscope of international food, crafts and music.

The festival is staged as a collaborative production between the Newtown Residents' Association, Newtown Community Centre, The Rotary Club of Wellington South, Newtown Primary School and the Newtown Library with support from the Wellington City Council.

Always a highlight, the Fair Day this year will include performances from some of the stars of the New Zealand music scene including The Phoenix Foundation, The Avaitors, The Yoots, The Sam Manzanza Band and Hikoikoi.

The Fair Day will feature Five Stages, including a DJ Stage on Newtown Ave with Wellington's premier selectors showcasing musical styles from around the world, a Latin Stage on Emmett Street, stages on Wilson and Green Streets and much more! The streets will also be lined with over 200 food, art and craft stalls, a car show, mental health stand plus a games area for the kids!

This year the Fair Day will also have an eco-friendly focus, with recycling initiatives being put in place.

On Fair Day, various central streets in Newtown will be closed to vehicular traffic and have parking restrictions in place. For more info see – www.newtownfestival.org.nz

Other events during the festival include The Carrara Park Jazz Picnic (Saturday 8 February), events at The Adelaide, an exhibition by artist, Paul Forest and the ever popular Culture Jam (Saturday 2 March). 

Newtown Festival and Fair Day
29 February to 9 March

More info at www.newtownfestival.org.nz