The Wellington Heritage Festival begins this Saturday with more than three weeks of events and activities celebrating the people, places and stories from Poneke to Wairarapa.

For 8 years, Wellington City Council has been proud to partner with the Wellington Heritage Festival Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of Greater Wellington to showcase and celebrate the area’s history, hosting over 150 arts, culture and heritage events across the region.

Council-related activities include tours of the Embassy Theater as part of its centenary celebrations, exploring the history and heritage of the Paekaka and Bush Otari-Wilton Botanic Gardens, a behind-the-scenes look at the twisting cable car room, and viewing archival footage of key moments in history Poneke at the Newtown Community Center and tiptoe through the gravestones with tours of Karori and Bolton Street Cemeteries.

Councilor Jonah Pannett says the Wellington region’s history reflects the contributions of a wide range of different communities.

“The Greater Wellington region has played an important role in the history of Aotearoa. The area has a varied, interesting and colorful history, and much of this is evident in its language, culture, environment and buildings. The Wellington Heritage Festival lifts the lid on the region’s unique stories.

“The council is not only proud to support this festival, but is also contributing to sustainability, conservation and conservation programs in the capital through funding and advice so that the next generation can experience the past and into the future.”

Festival director Alex Hockley says curiosity and respect for the region’s heritage never gets old.

“This year we have more events than ever to share with enthusiasm, engagement and a passion for the past, as evidenced by the many events already planned on the 2024 festival calendar.

“With so many events this year, there’s even more variety, meaning there’s something for everyone. From archival content to created heritage, from colorful figures to rainbow connections, go behind the scenes of churches and cathedrals or visit photography and art exhibitions depicting our rich and colorful history.”

The Wellington Heritage Festival runs from 26 October to 17 November at various locations across the region. Visit wellingtonheritagefestival.nz to see the full list of events and find out how to book your place.

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