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What started as a small community event with a handful of performers, cultural displays and a shared morning tea has grown into one of Selwyn’s most popular annual events, attracting more than 5,000 people each year.

This year, Selwyn’s CultureFest is being held on Sunday 13 September in Lincoln.

Archna Tandon, one of the festival's founders and Chair of the Multicultural Women's Council, is proud of how far the festival has come.

“It’s evolved big time. It’s on Selwyn's calendar and people know about it. It's grown with the population of Selwyn and the diversity within Selwyn. It started off small, but it has evolved into what we always wanted it to be.”

Census data released following last year’s festival showed the increasing diversity of the district. The percentage of the Selwyn population born outside of New Zealand, increased from 19.7 percent in 2018 to 24.1 percent in 2023, with 7.9 percent of the population born in Asia compared to 3.6 percent in 2018.

While CultureFest has grown, Archna says its purpose has remained the same.

"It [CultureFest] welcomes people and gives the message that we are diverse and that all cultures are welcome. That’s what we stand for. People get to experience different performances, food and traditions all in one place. There aren't many places where you can find such a variety of cultures and foods together.”

This year more than 30 cultures from around the world will be celebrated at the Festival, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Hong Kong and Nigeria.

Alongside food stalls and cultural performances, those attending can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including a new Japanese arts and crafts area.

Food is a big part of the day too, with vendors bringing flavours from around the world. Among them is Bo Metcalf from Bo's Kitchen, who will be sharing a traditional Hong Kong favourite: a rich dessert drink featuring slow-cooked red beans, creamy coconut milk, ice and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

“This drink holds a special place in Hong Kong culture, tracing back to the 1950s Bing Sutt (traditional ice cafés),” says Bo.

“Growing up in Hong Kong, it was a cherished childhood memory for many of us to visit local diners with our parents for afternoon tea, where French toast and Ice Cream Red Bean Drinks were the ultimate treat.”

More than 30 performers will also take to the stage throughout the day, including

MexidaNZ, a Mexican folkloric dancing and singing group.

“We love to represent our culture and share a little piece of our country,” says Veronica Fregoso of MexidaNZ.

This year, the festivities will continue with a Variety Dance Club workshop, including Bollywood, line dancing and Latin dance classes, along with a Filipino folktale storytelling session and beginner Japanese classes. Bookings are available online at selwyn.govt.nz/events

CultureFest will be held at the Lincoln Event Centre on Sunday 13 September from 10am to 3pm.

For more information about CultureFest, including performance times, visit facebook.com/WhatsonSelwyn/events

Last modified: 07 Sep 2026 10:11am