160 performances at upcoming Otago Polyfest

Posted: Thursday Sep 05, 2024

9 - 13 September 2024 at the Edgar Centre

160 performances at upcoming Otago Polyfest | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)

The countdown to this year’s Polyfest has begun.

The Otago Polyfest will start in less than a month’s time on September 9.

Otago Polyfest general manager Pip Laufiso said this year’s event would include 160 performances across five days at the Edgar Centre.

The event would build on three decades of celebrating Maori and Pasifika cultures, showcasing the diverse talents of 128 Otago education institutions, including 51 early learning services, 55 primary schools and 20 secondary schools from Dunedin, Waitaki, Clutha and Central Otago.

Last year’s addition to the festival, The Village, was set to return to the festival with more stalls for whānau and community members to gather, enjoy kai and immerse themselves in the Polyfest experience, Ms Laufiso said.

The community would have space to share stories, engage in activities and connect with services and agencies at the courts in the Edgar Centre while a large-screen would livestream the performances on stage.

Ms Laufiso said The Village received overwhelming support last year and it was looking forward to building on it this year.

"We achieved our aspiration to extend our stalls and hospitality areas, and these elements not only enriched the festival experience but also deepened our community connections.

"We are thrilled to continue these traditions."

Chairwoman Angelina Kiore said incorporating new elements to The Village allowed the committee to honour the past while looking forward to the future.

"Hearing our reo and seeing thousands of children and youth perform is at the heart of Polyfest."

"These new features enhance that experience," she said.

The entry fee would remain $2 per person per session and tickets would be available at the door.