More than 220 performance groups and 60,000 visitors are heading to Western Springs Park in Auckland for the 25th Pasifika Festival this weekend.
Organisers say entry is free and this year there are 11 villages wrapping around the lake. Each village represents a Pacific Island nation and has a distinctly different vibe.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) delivers Pasifika in conjunction with Orange Productions, on behalf of Auckland Council.
A strong youth contingent will share stages with some of the original Pasifika Festival founders throughout the weekend, says ATEED head of major events Charmaine Ngarimu said.
The cultural performance from Auckland Girls' Grammar, De la Salle College, Sacred Heart College, Southern Cross Campus, Kelston Girls' College and St Peter's College will be a stunning sight that shouldn't be missed, she said.
"Seeing such as strong representation from the next generation of Pacifica performers sets the festival in good stead as it moves towards its next quarter century."
The 25th anniversary showcase from 4pm today on the Samoa stage includes performances from Ura Tabu dance group, the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble Dance Group and singing sensations Adeaze and Resonate.
On Sunday, the choral celebration in Fiji village will be from 11am. There are performances from the Auckland Gospel Choir, Stand Up Stand Out performing arts competition participants, St Paul's College, Aorere College, Southern Cross Campus and Avondale College, and Resonate.
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