Excitement is building and expectations are running high as the Tauranga Multicultural Festival date draws closer.

Less than a week away, the annual celebration of cultures with performances from across the globe, authentic cuisine, service providers and arts and crafts is set to transform the Tauranga Historic Village yet again.

The theme for the 2023 festival next Saturday March 18 is Awhihia te rita – nurture the young, and with interactive children's activities, food and entertainment, there will be a hive of things for family groups to do and enjoy.

Bringing the feels from around the world to our own backyard is a joy for many people who have made their home here and who love to share their culture, food and music.

'There will be at least 30 performances, 30 food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, interesting arts, interactive activities for children, as well as Discovery Tents which will help local people connect with the knowledge and diversity of other world cultures,” says Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D'Mello.

Performances on the day include Kapahaka by Arataki School, as well as performances from Pacific Island dance AvaNiu Pasifika, MMC and Pacific Island Community Trust Bay Of Plenty - PICT, Club Filipino Tauranga Incorporated, Tauranga Chinese Cultural Arts Group, SriLankan Cultural Association Tauranga, Rotorua Sri Lankan Association, Scoil Rince Ni Ghabhann Irish Dance, Bay of Plenty Sports & Cultural Club, Hemvati Bhaumik, Tauranga Filipino Society, SoorNoopur, Masti Dance Group, a Kung Fu display, Arabian Spice Tauranga, Inclusion Tauranga, Tierra Viva, Polish Community Trust, Ukranian dances, Korean dances, Indian dances, Solivone Pa, ChuniLeang, and Bay Salsa Tauranga

The Tauranga Multicultural Festival will be held from 10am – 5pm, March 18, at Tauranga Historic Village on 17th Ave. A parade of nations will be held at noon. Entry to the festival is by gold coin.

A rain postponed date is set for March 25