The sights and sounds of different cultures tantalised Tauranga residents' senses as the Multicultural Festival took place at the Tauranga Historic Village.

Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council president Ewa Fenn says there was more stalls then previous years.

Tauranga Samba Band members Samantha Statham and Nicola Richards before their performance. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

'We had to decline some stalls because we didn't have enough space.”

There was a variety of entertainment, cultural performances and music throughout the day from many of the region's diverse ethnic groups.

Along with short performances by most groups, the festival concluded with a 45 minute show by the Caribbeanz Southern Cross Stars Steelpan Band which will perform the classic West Indian music with steel pan drums.

'One of the new things in the Caribeanz Steelpan Band which is something new we haven't had before. They are quite popular in other parts of the country.”

There were various arts and crafts stalls, with one stall offering people the chance to have a go.

'We were quite lucky with the weather, it was overcast but not raining.

'We also had the Rotorua Jazz Band, fire eaters, fire blowers, stilt walkers, bouncy castles and pony rides.”

The event has been going for 14 years and Ewa says it has grown bigger and bigger.

'We have taken over the village over the years.”

The Spanish Flamenco Angels backstage.

Samoan pineapple cake was popular at the event.

Cindy Low sells Malaysian fruit jellies.

Lourdes Collier, 11, and Jordyn Houtham, 10, with their slushies.

Jaime Sidwell, 8, has her face painted at The Fairy House.

Kayla Korach-Allen, Jordan Ross and Kelsey Morrie at The Fairy House.

Suho Jung, 7, Esther Kimlee, 8, and Miok Lee, in traditional Korean dress.

Photo by Clive Tilby.

Photo by Clive Tilby.

Photo by Clive Tilby.

Photo by Clive Tiby.

Photo by Clive Tilby.