With less than a month until the Rugby World Cup begins, Southlanders are preparing to show off their region to thousands of visiting rugby fans.
Venture Southland events co-ordinator Jade Gilles said the "Taste of Southland" festival provided a chance for locals, as well as visitors, to celebrate what the Southland region has to offer.
"There will be no shortage of things to do over 10 days with events, activities and attractions.
"There's sure to be something for everyone," he said.
The Southland celebration, based in Invercargill, would be part of the Real New Zealand Festival for the Rugby World Cup and was designed to show the best of what Southland had to offer, including entertainment, culture, industry, tourism, art and food, Mr Gilles said.
The festival will run from September 8 to 18, over the time three cup games are to be played in the city.
"A Taste of Southland Arcade", situated in the SIT Arcade between Esk and Don Sts, will give some insight into Southland's attractions, activities and features.
Art exhibitions, plays, and opportunities to tour the New Zealand Aluminium Smelters plant at Tiwai Point and the Bill Richardson truck museum, will be offered, as well as performances throughout the city by several groups, including the Phoenix Foundation and Left Or Right.
A film festival featuring Goodbye Pork Pie and The World's Fastest Indian will run alongside documentaries, short films, and a visual aerial tour of Southland.
About 25 restaurants have also put together menus to celebrate Southland cuisine.
