One of the voices behind critically acclaimed New Zealand reggae band Katchafire will headline Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s Waitangi Day Festival this Friday 6 February.
Jamey Ferguson, a former Katchafire member, will be among the performers taking to the stage at the free festival from 1pm - 5pm.
The Waitangi Day Festival is returning for its second year and will be held along the Waikato Awa from Ferrybank Reserve (Kirikiriroa Reserve) to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery precinct.
The festival’s performance programme is:
1pm – 1.20pm: Wai Taiko Drummers
1.30pm – 1.50pm: Sambatron
2pm – 2.10pm: Desi Rhythms
2.30pm – 2.50pm: Toubab Crew
3pm – 3.30pm: Dvyne Wun
3.45pm – 4.15pm: Manu Mātātahi
4.30pm – 5pm: Jamey Ferguson
Alongside the performances, there will be a range of entertainment on offer including market stalls, food trucks, a cultural tour and family-friendly activities.
Hamilton City Council’s General Manager Partnerships, Communication and Maaori, Janet Carson, said holding the event alongside the Waikato River makes this year’s festival particularly special.
“The Waikato Awa holds great significance for our city, so we’re excited to welcome our community into Ferrybank Reserve and Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery beside the river to celebrate Waitangi Day.
“We encourage whaanau to come along with their picnic blankets to enjoy an afternoon beside the awa, soaking up the festival atmosphere and connecting as a community.”
Visitors can start their Waitangi Day at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato from 10am with a range of activities, including free Exscite entry, crafts, and family-friendly workshops.
Hamilton’s Waitangi Day Festival has been shaped with tangata whenua, Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa, Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) and many community organisations from across the region.
More details about the event are available on Hamilton City Council’s Facebook page.