Arrowtown's Autumn Festival falls during the school holidays this year for a change, so organisers have made a concerted effort to include a large number of children's events.
‘‘There's something on every day for the kids,'' festival co-ordinator Julie Hughes said.
The majority of the children's events will be free, with the remainder requiring a small fee to participate.
‘‘It is a community festival and we want all of the community to take part so if we can make it free of charge, it opens it up to the whole community,'' Mrs Hughes said.
‘‘There's a lot of . . . families working full-time trying to keep their kids entertained during the holidays and we want to be able to cater for [them].
‘‘It is something to give the kids the opportunity to learn new skills and get their creative ideas out there.''
A children's writing workshop will be one of the events put on especially for the young ones.
‘‘We have the most amazing writers and poets among our school children and it's nice to be able to capture that at a young age.''
Similarly, a wearable arts costume-making workshop will allow children to explore their creative abilities, with outfits later displayed at a festival fashion sale.
Children's cooking classes will offer a creative outlet, with a healthy message.
Mrs Hughes said the children's variety concert was a huge hit last year with around 250 children participating and it would be making a return again this festival.
‘‘We've got some great young entertainers here and it's wonderful to give them some stage time.''
Children hoping to pursue a future in entertainment can also try their hand at radio announcing during the festival. Mrs Hughes encouraged anyone wanting to have a go at reading the weather or making community announcements on the radio to give her a call and register their interest.
Skateboarders will have the chance to learn from the best in the district during a workshop that will teach them basic skills and tricks.
Christchurch magicianventriloquist Elgregoe will also put on a show for children, with an underlying anti-bullying theme. Ghost walks and a big dig also feature in the children's part of the festival programme.
Mrs Hughes said with the exception of a few out-oftowners, the festival committee had a strong commitment to using local entertainers and tutors.
‘‘We have a fantastic range of very talented people in the Wakatipu so we want to use that talent.'' - For all festival inquiries, contact Julie Hughes on (03) 442-0809.
