Destination Akaroa: Frocks, frills & folie
Sacre bleu, c’est magnifique! After a three year hiatus from the calendar, le fabuleux et unique Akaroa French Festival is back from 9 to 11 October.
It’s the best of French culture with a Kiwi twist, and it’s happening right on our doorstep. From cabaret to food, wine, vintage markets, live music, local history and community spirit, the iconic Akaroa French Festival returns for three days of fun and celebration.
Images by Amy Boyce.
As New Zealand’s only French settlement, the triennial event celebrates Akaroa’s unique history as Canterbury’s oldest town and the landing place of French settlers in 1840, an event that is marked on Saturday morning with Landings, a reenactment of the tales of the many brave souls who came to call Akaroa home, from the first Māori to the whalers, and then the French and German settlers who arrived aboard the Comte de Paris.
Before that, though, the festival kicks off on Friday evening with Le Marché de Nuit (the Night Market) where fabulous food and wine vendors, live music from French folk band La Mer and dancing, entertain partygoers into the evening.
After Saturday’s Landings reenactment, a brass band leads the Parade, down to the Akaroa Recreation Ground for the start of Market Day and Grand Opening Celebration.
“La Rotunde is the heart of the Festival,” says organiser Lesley Burkes-Harding.
“As well as loads of fun, free family activities and events, guests can enjoy live music, local food, wine, crafts, and French cuisine. For the more energetic, there will be French-themed competitions including our famous cock-crowing competition and waiters races plus traditional French games to be enjoyed by all the family. I definitely encourage you to join the ‘Balfolk’ workshop and learn some traditional French folk dancing!”
Saturday evening is party time. Le Cabaret, held in the Big Top marquee, brings comedy, Le Can Can and risqué burlesque. “This is when revellers can dance the night away to some of New Zealand’s finest entertainers,” Lesley says.
Finally, Sunday is a real taste of France with La Brocante, an opportunity to search for treasure or strike a bargain with local vendors and professionals selling antiques, collectables and vintage wares.
“Le Cirque Du Croissant will be happening in the big tent, a fun and free professional circus for kids of all ages, and not to forget The Fancy French Pooch Parade! Dress up yourself and your best friend as French-themed superheroes,” Lesley says.
“Akaroa French Festival shines a light on all that Banks Peninsula has to offer. We invite you to come for the day or book accommodation and share in this magical weekend with us.” For ticket prices and full programme details, visit the website at akaroafrenchfest.co.nz/whatson.
