Tauranga’s migrant seniors will have a chance to connect, celebrate their cultures and enjoy an afternoon of food, music and fun at a special event this month.

The Young at Heart: Seniors in Harmony Migrant Lunch will be held at Merivale Community Centre on October 6.

Hosted by Multicultural Tauranga as part of the Young at Heart Festival, the free event is aimed at bringing older people from Tauranga’s diverse migrant and ethnic communities together.

Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello said migrant seniors can sometimes experience isolation and may be unable to fully participate in other seniors’ events because of language and cultural barriers.

“This event provides an inclusive environment where they can connect with others from their own communities while also meeting people from different cultural backgrounds.”

About 40 migrant seniors attended last year’s lunch, but organisers are hoping to welcome at least 100 seniors from Tauranga’s diverse communities this year.

The afternoon will include entertainment and cultural performances, fun games and activities, and a talk from Age Concern.

A free lunch will be followed by “Sing Around the World” karaoke, bringing participants together through music from different cultures.

D’Mello said the event is about more than simply sharing a meal.

“We believe this is about connection, inclusion and celebrating Tauranga’s cultural diversity.”

The event is also an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and value of older members of Tauranga’s migrant communities.

The Young at Heart: Seniors in Harmony Migrant Lunch is being held at Merivale Community Centre, 10 Kesteven Ave, Tauranga, from 11am to 2pm on October 6.

The event is free, but registration is essential as spaces are limited.

To register, email [email protected] or contact Multicultural Tauranga through its Facebook page.