19 July 2023
Carterton is gearing up for another huge weekend in September with the return of the iconic Daffodil Festival on Sunday 10 September, and the Big Wai Art show on 8-10 September.
This spring festival is one of New Zealand’s longest running events in our very own daffodil capital which often sees more than 10,000 visitors come to town. People can expect to see all their favourite activities – from daffodil picking at historic Middlerun farm, to steam train excursions, the High Street market, and street performances.
This is one of Carterton’s biggest social occasions with community groups and businesses coming together to showcase what our district is all about.
“We are so grateful for the Daffodil Festival, which is made possible by the Booth family, who through generations have displayed generosity by sharing their Middlerun farm with our community for daffodil picking,” said Mayor Hon. Ron Mark.
“When the weather turns on it’s a stunning day for everyone. I never get sick of seeing photos of families and their children sitting in a sea of daffodils and enjoying watching the steam train come in.
“It’s just a magical day for all.”
Festival planners from the Carterton District Council, Plunket, St Johns, Carterton Train Society, Go Carterton, and Carterton Lions have been in full swing behind the scenes ensuring the day is a success for all.
“As usual, there has been fantastic interest in stalls but there are still some limited sites available,” said Heather Smith, Carterton Lions.
“We look forward to engaging again with the community who always get behind the festival.”
The festival runs alongside the Wai Art Show at the Carterton Events Centre from 8 – 10 September, making this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.
Run by the Wai Art Trust and established in 2006 with the primary aim of supporting and promoting Wairarapa artists, this year’s show would be the trust’s 17th show, spokesperson Anna-Marie Kingsley said.
The show gets bigger and better every year, and now features a $1500 prize to encourage younger artists to participate, thanks to a grant from WBS.
“It is now easier for young artists to participate by being able to submit 1-2 works [rather than a whole panel] and with a reduced hanging fee of $5,” Kingsley said.
“Encouraging younger artists to exhibit is key to the diversity and longevity of the Wai Art Show. The prize pool of $1500 will hopefully boost young artists’ confidence and motivation to participate,” trustee Jo Lysaght said.
Head to www.cdc.govt.nz/daffodil or facebook.com/cartertondaffodilfestivalnz for more details or visit www.waiart.nz for the Wai Art Show.