Community festival returns

Aimee Blissett was the Whangarei fairy at last year's Artbeat festival in Cafler Park. Artbeat is on again this year on January 30. Photo / John Stone

Whangarei's popular 'Interactive Art festival' ArtBeat is back again this month.

The festival, billed as a fun, one-day community festival for all the family, friends, and visitors, provides an opportunity for people to take a picnic blanket and enjoy Northland food and crafts, and wander Cafler Park to enjoy the entertainment.

ArtBeat will be in the park on January 30 from 10am to 4pm.

Since its inception in 1996 it has become a firm favourite of the Whangarei community with up to 7000 people passing through the park on the day.

Organisers Creative Northland said there will be plenty of things to do to keep everyone in the family happy.

"We want to get our youth actively engaged with creative activity," ArtBeat organiser Abbey Cameron said.

"Kids and adults can take time out in the Resene Interactive Zone; try their hand at one of the many activities on offer like beading, spin art, marbling, candle making, or for the younger kids Arthurs Emporium Fairy Grotto for some magic; face painting, talk to fairies, make a wish or go on a treasure hunt."

There will be a big stage area as there will be a constant flow of entertainment for all ages, from spoken poetry, to Scottish dancing.

There will also be live performances, including from Whangarei Band Otium, to talented duos, the Brass Band and concert bands from Whangarei Youth music.

Then at 1pm The Giant Drop in Choir will take over the venue for a good old-fashioned sing-along.

There will be over 40 stalls selling everything from hand-made art and craft, clothing, jewellery, to wooden toys and Northland-published books.