The Historic Village has transformed into a kaleidoscope of cultures at Tauranga's 16th Multicultural Festival.

Margarete Kraemer of Multicultural Tauranga says the festival is another colourful event, with lots of yummy food stalls for people to try ethnic cuisine – and stage performances that prove Tauranga is truly a multicultural city.

Aiyana Rogoz, 9, Gregory James, 9, and Izabella Polomka, 8, from the Polish School. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

'Some of the highlights are a kapahaka performance which started the day,” says Margarete.

'There's lots of lively action performances with colourful costumes, opportunities to learn some dances and moves including hula hooping – which is a lot of fun for children too.”

There'll be StarJam performers from Hamilton and Korean drumming and performances, as well as a four-piece Cuban band – Sabor – who will be playing to wind up the day with music Margarete says you'll not be able to resist dancing to.

Margarete says dance is a major element in this festival, especially Latin dance including salsa, tango, samba, bachata and more.

'And this doesn't just mean watching performers dance on stage but get moving oneself.”

A number of workshops will be running in the Village Hall all day, including belly dance, hoop dance, Latin dances and afro fusion dance.

Workshops are free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated.

ANZ, one of the festival sponsors, will provide a spot prize for one lucky visitor – an opening balance of $1000 in an ANZ serious saver account.

Parking at Historic Village is limited, so using the bus, car-pooling, biking or walking is the way to go, says Margarete.

Another tip: bring your own seat to sit on during the event.

Admission is $6 for adults and under 12s enter for free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate of the Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga.

The event will be running until 4pm.