Akaroa celebrates its French connections

Akaroa’s French connections will be to the fore when the township comes together in the first weekend of October to celebrate Frenchfest.

Held every two years, Frenchfest draws people from near and far for a weekend of events that celebrates Akaroa’s unique heritage.

The arrival of the French settlers in Akaroa will be re-enacted as part of Frenchfest.

“Akaroa is very proud of its European and Maori heritage and the celebration of Frenchfest is one way of paying homage to it,’’ says Margaret Moir, Chairman of the Akaroa Heritage Festival Society.

“The connection with the local tangata whenua who were here to welcome the settlers is very important too and we are thrilled to have them as part of the events.’’

One of the key features of this year’s Frenchfest will be an historic re-enactment of the landing at the main beach of Akaroa of the French and German passengers from the sailing ship Comte de Paris. The Comte de Paris set sail from Rochefort, France in May 1840 bound for Akaroa with the intent of developing a French colony in the South Island of New Zealand.

Saturday morning’s re-enactment will be followed by a parade from the beach to Jubilee Park where people will be able to sample French food and wine, play French games, browse market stalls and enjoy live entertainment.

On Saturday evening the celebrations continue with a ticketed cabaret.

On Sunday the celebrations shift to Onuku Marae where a whanau fun day is planned.

Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Karena Finnie says a huge amount of community effort has gone into the planning of this year’s Frenchfest and it promises to be fantastic weekend.

“Frenchfest is on in the middle weekend of the school holidays and is packed full of activities the whole family can enjoy so we’re hoping lots of Christchurch families will take the chance to head out of the city and experience a little taste of France in their own backyard,’’ Ms Finnie says.

Find out more about Frenchfest.