It’s all happening in Wanganui on Anniversary Weekend 2012 - 27/10/2011

“Don’t leave town until you have seen what’s happening in Wanganui over Wellington Anniversary Weekend 2012.”

That’s the message from Cr Rob Vinsen who is chairing a Steering Committee tasked with co-ordinating the inaugural Wanganui Festival Weekend. The festival will weave together existing key events with complementary activities to create a jam packed and entertaining programme of activity for residents and visitors.

“By bringing together a number of quality events under one banner it is hoped to use the weekend as the platform to build on and create a fun and entertaining annual festival weekend of events for Wanganui.

“Over Wellington Anniversary Weekend 2012 we have some major events taking place in Wanganui and this is an ideal way to showcase all aspects of our city and district for everyone who lives here and visits over this holiday weekend,” Cr Rob Vinsen said.

On Saturday, January 21, the focus is on the street where, in addition to the weekly River Traders Market, Mainstreet Wanganui is staging the “Caboodle” Street Carnival from 10.00am to midnight. The event features an array of entertainment including street performers, dancers and music all with a heritage theme.

On Sunday, January 22, the action moves to the Racecourse for the Vintage Car Club’s public open day, ‘The Great Old Fashioned Family Picnic’. This full day of entertainment will showcase around 650 vintage vehicles, which are in Wanganui for the 12 day Vintage Car Rally. Over 3000 national and international visitors are expected.

The focus moves to the Whanganui River on Monday, January 23, for the Boardwalk River Festival, with a variety of activities including dance, music and other events planned. Tables, chairs, and umbrellas will be placed along the boardwalk to add to the festival atmosphere and a range of river-based events are in the planning such as 200m sprint kayak racing, Waka Ama, corporate eights and celebrity rowing races.

“This is going to be a superb weekend for the whole family to enjoy. What is being planned for the weekend will attract large numbers, both visitors and locals. Potentially the Wanganui Festival Weekend could become an event to rival Napier’s Art Deco Weekend.”