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The Southland Multicultural Food Festival has delivered another hugely successful event, with organisers reporting record crowds and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community.
Office Manager Jo said the day exceeded all expectations, with constant crowds from the 10am start through to close.
"It's been a great day. Oh, it has been an epic day. I don't think I have seen so many people in one spot. And it's been all day. There has been a constant flow all day. Everyone has just been so happy. There's such a positive, friendly vibe. It's unreal," Jo said.
The festival's expanded format this year proved popular with attendees, featuring approximately 59 stalls spread across a larger venue area. The decision to separate food vendors from the entertainment stage while keeping them connected received particular praise.
"We've had a lot of positive feedback about expanding and having the bigger size. Having the food and the stage separate but still together," Jo explained.
Demand was so high that people began queuing before the official opening time. "We had people here at 9.30am at the doors," Jo said, noting that information stalls outside the main venue helped engage early arrivals and provided community organisations with valuable exposure.
Among the community groups taking advantage of the crowd was the Rotary Club, who were selling their fundraising ducks after being relocated from their usual prime reception area spot.
"Normally each year they have the whole reception area. And I got it this year. But we had to help sell the ducks, " Jo said with a laugh, "Rotary Sunshine and SMT have developed an amazing working relationship and I hope this continues for many years to come" Jo said warmly.
The Multicultural Food Festival, which traditionally coincides with Race Relations Day, has already confirmed it will return next year at roughly the same time.
"We will be back and we'll be doing this again. People want in, they just need to let me know," Jo said, hinting at potential expansion with additional stalls for 2027.
The event showcases Southland's diverse cultural communities through authentic food, entertainment and cultural displays, cementing its position as one of the region's most popular annual celebrations.