AKAROA FRENCH FESTIVAL

The Akaroa French Festival (6–8 October 2023) celebrates the area’s French, Māori, and European heritage while offering visitors the chance to explore and enjoy French culture and cuisine and be energised by some of the best entertainment around.

The festival is organised by the Akaroa Heritage Festival Society with support from the Christchurch City Council, Rata Foundation, Pub Charity Limited, and other Akaroa local businesses. The festival showcases the very best of French and local cuisine, music, dance, and entertainment, with something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival takes place over three days and features a variety of performers, including local master of performance art MulletMan, who will guide locals in the telling of cultural tales. Visitors can also enjoy the can-can and risqué burlesque performances and dance the night away to great music from New Zealand’s top talent, including a dazzling performance by the Lady Killers at the cabaret.

New to the festival this year is the Wellington Sea Shanty Society and more music from the likes of Yurt Party. The Festival Troubadours will entertain inside and outside of the Big Top with juggling, acrobatics, and traditional kids’ games, such as sack racing, egg and spoon races, and a kids’ French waiters’ race.

Visitors can expect a celebration of French and local food. Drinks will also be on hand, with beer from 1664 Kronenbourg and BEERS Brewery, gin cocktails from Akaroa Craft Distilleries, and the finest Champagne from Louis Roederer.

The colourful Akaroa label Mr Peacock will showcase a fashion parade. The festival also features the world-famous cock crowing competition and the chance to try opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre.

For those with children, Sunday is all about kids, with Le Carnaval in the Big Top offering loads of fun circus and fairground activities, retro stalls, and the Festival Troubadours entertaining both inside and outside of the Big Top. Also on Sunday will be the Antiques and Collectables Fair – La Brocante.

akaroafrenchfestival.co.nz