The French Fest in Akaroa is a premium event on the Christchurch City Council's event calendar and a major community festival for Banks Peninsula. The 2011 festival takes place from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October and embraces the unique beauty, culture and heritage of New Zealand's only French settlement.
Piper Heidsieck French Fest starts on Friday with a thrilling street party, Fête de Rue, in the heart of Akaroa. On Saturday, take part in the re-enactment of the landing, a theatrical re-telling of Akaroa's colonial origins as told by the descendants of the Comte de Paris immigrant ship.
Throughout the day, festival goers will enjoy a selection of live music and entertainment; a market day with French-themed stalls; a host of games, competitions and craft; glamour, music and dancing at the evening ball, the Comte de Paris Bal; and an outdoor movie on the village green. The festival finale on Sunday 30 October is the exciting French Fest French Cricket Tournament featuring celebrity New Zealand cricketers.
The festival is coordinated by the Christchurch City Council on behalf of the Akaroa French Fest Committee. Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of contemporary French culture in this beautiful, boutique tourist destination.
The French Fest website. Full programme
