A week-long festival celebrating Tauranga’s older residents will return this October, offering dozens of opportunities to connect, learn, be active and have fun.

The Young at Heart Festival, delivered by Tauranga City Council and Envirohub Bay of Plenty, runs from October 1 to 8 and coincides with the International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

The annual festival is designed for older people across Tauranga and features a range of events aimed at encouraging social connection, wellbeing and lifelong learning, while recognising the important role older residents play in the community.

Tauranga City Council head of community outcomes and emergency management Paula Naude said in a media release that the festival was a chance to celebrate older people and the contributions they make every day.

“The festival brings together older people from across Tauranga to enjoy shared experiences, discover new interests and connect with their community,” Naude said.

“It’s also a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways older residents contribute to the city every day.”

Envirohub Bay of Plenty project co-ordinator Rachael Pratt said this year’s programme offered something for everyone.

“Whether you’re keen to explore a creative hobby, enjoy live music, learn something new or simply meet new people, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the week.”

Pratt said one of the festival’s most popular events continued to be the Senior Choir Concert, which drew around 500 attendees last year and raised funds for Waipuna Hospice.

“We’re expecting another fantastic turnout this year, so we encourage people to book early and be part of this special community event on Saturday, October 3, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Tickets are expected to sell out fast.”

Highlights of the festival include an opening launch event at The Atrium Conference Centre on October 1, the Whaioranga Trust Hāngi ‘n’ Hoedown in Pāpāmoa on October 2, a healing sand art workshop on Moturiki Island on October 3, and an Envirohub bus tour and tree talk on October 4.

Other activities include a pickleball session at Mercury Baypark Arena, a multicultural seniors’ migrant lunch in Merivale, a tour of Tauranga City Council’s wastewater treatment plant, and a community tree planting event to close the festival on October 8.

Many of the events are free or low-cost, making it easier for seniors to participate and meet others from across the city.

Festival programmes are available at Tauranga City Libraries, while tickets for admission events can be purchased through the Young at Heart Festival website.

The festival is supported by a wide range of community groups, organisations and businesses, including Age Concern Tauranga, The Incubator Creative Hub, Whaioranga Trust, Forest & Bird, Multicultural Tauranga and The Mount Pickleball Club.