Multicultural 'spirit of Christmas'

Darren Wijeratne (2), of Invercargill, receives a gift from Santa with mother Oresta Motha at the Southland Multicultural Council Christmas Picnic in Queens Park, Invercargill, on Saturday.

With bubble-blowing, pedal cars, a sausage sizzle and face-painting, families were invited to come together to celebrate the season.

Multicultural council co-ordinator Meggy Bartlett-McBride said the event was the last one of the council’s for the year.

"It’s a chance to keep the spirit of Christmas for our multicultural, diverse community."