Howick Village to satisfy appetites

No need for breakfast on Saturday because there’ll be a substantial banquet of delicious eats to tantalise the taste buds at the Howick Village Cultural Food Festival.

One of the Howick Village Association’s large outdoor-oriented summer events, the Village comes alive on March 1 as Picton Street will be closed to traffic and well and truly open to food trucks and vendors, in the street and through the Howick Village Market, for people to enjoy their culinary delights.

Being a food-themed event, all the many eateries in Howick Village will also be open offering their high-quality cuisine, as well as the other retail stores.

Howick Village Association manager Katie Treneman says the third annual Cultural Food Festival has a large and diverse programme of entertainment.

The main performance stage will have East FM DJ Phil Dark as the MC, with acts starting from 9am.

All up, there are 12 displays on the programme including seven dance groups that vary from dragon, lion and belly to Move Dance Group’s Moulin Rouge, Texas Dance, and Bollywood routines.

Wakaaranga School’s kapa haka group are also performing, along with bagpipers, and a set of songs by accomplished musician Sarah van Zyl.

“We’re excited to be bringing you the Siva Afi fire dancers for the first time and they’re due to perform at 11am,” says Treneman.

“We have a dedicated family area set aside in Fencible Walk with child friendly eateries and old-fashioned games.

“The highlight is always the Great Goblet Race at midday down the Picton Street hill through the crowds.

“Let’s see if Tyler from Urban In East can retain his crown of two years. He’s up for some stiff competition from some new business entrants.

“We’re grateful to the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs’ Development Fund and the Howick Local Board for their support of this event,” says Treneman.