Te Ao Marama Festival (Festival of Expression) returned to the Kokiri Centre, 86 Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, Raglan on Saturday 13th after an eight year absence. And like the last one, the day was a scorcher with a sunny clear sky all day.
Workshops on everything from raranga to slam poetry were complemented by kai and art stalls. But the big line-up was on the stage revamped by Marae DIY over four days giving it new walls, floor and roof as well as some carved pou.
The acts started with waiata, poi and haka performances from Te Rōpū Aroha Ki Te Reo, as well as by other local and visiting groups. During the day there were fashion and comedy shows. When night came it was time for the the bands ending with Cornerstone Roots from 10 to 11pm.
The festival celebrated 33 years from when the return of the land to Tainui Awhiro iwi. The land was taken for a military airport during the second world war and then used for a golf course.
The Festival was a drug and alcohol free event with no dogs or patches allowed entry.
Posted by Raglan 23 – the Raglan Website on Friday, 12 February 2016