Whanganui's cultural festival attracts crowd of 7000

Whanganui's annual cultural festival attracted around 7000 people to Majestic Square on Saturday.

The event has been running for six years with new groups joining each year to share their cultures.

Mainstreet Whanganui event manager Kelly Scarrow said consumers, stall holders and entertainers were all in agreement that this year's event was the biggest.

"This year it was really about bringing it back to what the festival is really about and that's celebrating cultural diversity."

River City Filipino Club feeding the hungry crowd at Majestic Square. Photo/ Bevan Conley

She said they tried to get as many different cultural food stalls and entertainers as possible.

"Sam Manzanza & Afro Beats from Wellington were amazing and wow, Palmerston North's Samba ao Vento Drummers were really impressive.

"The energy was just incredible as the drummers went up and down the street and people were up on the stage dancing."

Te Taikura o te Awa Tupua Kapahaka perform at the 2017 Festival of Cultures. Photo/ Bevan Conley

Whanganui CBD parking was free for the day in support of the event.

Ms Scarrow said the sponsors had been a huge help in putting the event together.

"I'd like to thank the Whanganui District Council, More FM, the Māori Wardens and all the people who gave up their time to give their skill and expertise.

"It was great to see people coming together supporting their community."

Palmerston North's Samba ao Vento Drummers drawing in the crowd. Photo/ Bevan Conley