Culture, diversity and creativity in the performing arts has brought people together in a family friendly talent festival in Cromwell. 

More than 150 people attended the inaugural festival organised by Welcoming Communities and Central Otago District Council (CODC) held on June 23 in Cromwell’s Presbyterian Church auditorium.

The acts included a bagpipe musician, Tongan gospel singers, the singing group the Fine Thyme Belles, classical ballet dance, a mentalist and magician, Chilean guitar, Russian interactive dance, Garba dance, which is a dance from Gujarat, India, along with Punjabi drums and songs.

The event was the brainchild of Fran Dustin, who grew up in Cromwell. 

When she returned from working overseas, Fran saw Central was becoming more multicultural but needed more cohesion and interaction between cultures.

Fran’s ultimate goal for the event was to see our diverse community unite and “come together to create a more socially cohesive society, which is something that we all want”.

Meraine Rotaria performing her seated Te Bino dance from Kiribati. 

Juan Pablo Gutierrez (J.P) played chilean guitar.

The Fine Thyme Belles performed three songs by female artists, representing the connection this group of women gain through music.

Siblings Rehaan and Ambreen Sharma supported their uncle Jagdeep Kumar, who composed his own song accompanied by drums, which told his personal story.

CODC’s Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries said she was delighted with the event.

“There were times when we wondered if [the event] would all come together. Thankfully, it did . . . entirely due to the commitment of the volunteer organisers and the talented performers.

“We all came away from the afternoon with our hearts warmed by the sense of connection that was created. 

“It was a room full of people with different stories, different pasts, different reasons for living here in Central Otago, but an acknowledgement that we all want to feel that deep sense of belonging, we all want to be seen and respected – and if we celebrate our differences, we can unite”.

For more information about Welcoming Communities contact Heather [email protected] or call 021 246 5034.  

PHOTOS: Supplied

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