Tauranga’s older community will take centre stage this October when the Young at Heart Festival returns for a week of activities, entertainment and opportunities to connect.

From October 1-8, the festival is delivered by Tauranga City Council and Envirohub Bay of Plenty, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

Paula Naude, Tauranga City Council head of community outcomes and emergency management, said: “The festival brings together older people from across Tauranga to enjoy shared experiences, discover new interests and connect with their community”.

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

The programme features activities ranging from fitness and social events to creative workshops, music, films, tours and educational sessions. Highlights include a Hāngī ‘n’ Hoedown, pickleball, a sand art workshop, genealogy sessions, social badminton, pilates, Taoist Tai Chi and a tour of Tauranga’s wastewater treatment plant.

The festival launches October 1 at The Atrium Conference Centre on Otūmoetai Rd, while the popular Senior Choir Concert is at Bethlehem Baptist Church on October 3, raising funds for Waipuna Hospice. Last year’s concert attracted about 500 ticket sales.

Other events include a multicultural seniors’ lunch, Forest & Bird guided walk, bus tour and tree talk, and a closing tree-planting event at Gordon Carmichael Reserve.

Many activities are free or low-cost, with some offering festival tasters of programmes that run throughout the year.

Full programme and ticket information is available on www.whatsontauranga.co.nz with printed programmes also available from Tauranga City libraries.