The Lake Wanaka foreshore was ablaze last night as bonfires, storytelling, and singing heralded the start of the 2017 Festival of Colour.
Three bonfires were lit, each the focus of a different activity.
Singers from the festival's community singing event ''Sing it to My face'' led everyone in a sing-along, at another bonfire Bill Manhire talked about riddles and telling stories, and at the third bonfire ''technicians'' from the festival ''Song Dispensary'' sang an anthem for Wanaka.
Festival general manager Lindsey Schofield said the Festival of Colour featured a packed seven-day programme of theatre, visual art, dance, conversation and music from New Zealand and around the world.
Festival co-chairman Alistair King said ''the festival does provide an economic benefit to Wanaka and the surrounding district, with some events being held in Luggate, Glenorchy and Cromwell, [but] it's more about the importance and power of the performing arts.''
Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod said too much was made of the economic benefit to the town of the festival.
''To be honest, the festival is a salve to the soul and how can you measure that?''
Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore said ''the Festival of Colour helps attract visitors to the Wanaka region during our shoulder season and their spending benefits our retail shops, cafes and restaurants along with our range of activities.''
''Phillip and his team have done a great job in growing and developing the festival over the years to bring a top class programme of events for us all to enjoy,'' he said.
Ms Schofield said not all the shows were sold out, with over 2000 tickets remaining.
- By Kerrie Waterworth
