Nelson Festivals Trust looks to the horizon, igniting sparks of transformation and inciting the power of creativity as a force for positive change. We are a champion for artists and the arts, a catalyst for crucial conversations and a stage for the artists’ voice. We foster connections by uplifting and celebrating our whole community through artistic and cultural experiences. As Aotearoa’s oldest annual regional multi-arts festival in its 31st year, our Festival is a bright beacon for the arts and a strong pou for the Whakatū creative community with over 30% of the programme delivered by local artists.  Every Spring, we curate and nurture 11 days of unmissable arts experiences for and with the people of Whakatū and Te Tauihu (and beyond). The events we deliver are awe-inspiring, audacious and accessible, all wrapped up in the warm embrace of manaakitanga that defines and holds us as people of Aotearoa and the Pacific. Our programmes feature theatre, dance, comedy, circus, music, spoken word, sculpture, installations, a community-led carnivale and parade, and literary events, which are held across many Te Tauihu venues. 55,000 people attend free and ticketed events; over 6,000 tickets are sold and around 500 tamariki & rangatahi enjoy our artists workshops.