Nelson Arts Festival’s 2018 programme in full flight

Nelson Arts Festival opened last Thursday, and we’re now in the midst of some stunning shows, talks, events, exhibitions and looking forward to the iconic Masked Parade & Carnivale on Friday 26 October.

Ticket sales are still going strong, and Festival Director Charlie Unwin says he’s been pleased to see sell-out crowds at many performances so far.

“Everyone’s having a good time, whether it’s coming along to one of the ticketed shows or talks, or one of our many free events, which make the Festival programme as accessible as possible.”

Councillor Gaile Noonan, Chair of the Community Services Committee, is a passionate supporter of the Festival, saying, “Nelson Arts Festival is absolutely a key event for Nelson City Council, bringing out the best in our city. I encourage everyone to take a look at the programme – there really is something for everyone.

There are still some fantastic shows to come over the long weekend, including the welcome return of Nelson local made good Rhian Sheehan. 

Theatre goers still have plenty to see with Pasefika tale Wild Dogs Under My Skirt; an investigation into consent, feminism and sexual empowerment with Jane Doe and My Best Dead Friend by actor Anya Tate-Manning (last seen onstage in Nelson in Hudson & Halls Live!).

Music lovers are spoilt for choice with an excellent line-up of musicians from around the globe including our own Tiny Ruins and The Eastern, alongside Australians Garrett Kato with his beachy vibe, and Sex on Toast in all their wicked 1980s-esque glory.

If you haven’t been to Founders Heritage Park during Festival time, make sure you come down and check out The Flag Project, the result of World of Wearable Arts winner Miranda Brown’s collaboration with local community groups and schools to create a series of large flags.

The Flags are currently decorating the Festival hub at Founders, but will hang in the centre of Nelson for the Masked Parade & Carnivale, as thousands enjoy the iconic Parade and then boogie down at the Carnivale with live music, food and entertainment for all. 

Check out the Masked Parade & Carnivale map on page 6 for info on the parade route and where to find performance areas and food stalls.

Page & Blackmore Readers and Writers audiences still have the opportunity to hear from conservationist Paul Bensemann as he documents the Fight for the Forests.

Foodies can indulge in a taste of food-writing culture with Amber Rose, and Fiona Summerfield talking to well-known food writer and Nelsonian Nicola Galloway.

Young readers will love hearing from James Russell about the latest in the Dragon Brothers Books series, and Gavin Bishop’s Cook’s Cook will appeal to ages old and young.

There’s also a moving session on memoir, as Pip Desmond and Emma Gilkison explore the compulsion to write memoirs about their own lives in Family Narratives.

So don’t miss out on the best of the rest, make the most of the long weekend with world-class entertainment on your doorstep.

Information and tickets available at nelsonartsfestival.co.nz.

Fantastic free ticket give-away!

This is one of the last chances to snare free tickets for an Arts Festival Event this year. 

Go in the draw to win a double pass for Rhian Sheehan, A Quiet Divide, 8pm Sunday 21 October at the Theatre Royal. 

To enter, email us at festivalenquiries@ncc.govt.nz with Rhian Sheehan in the subject line and your contact details in the body of the email. 

But get your skates on as entries close 5pm on Friday 19 October, so you've only got a couple of days to enter.