On a beautifully fine summer’s day (even if it is autumn) on Saturday, the Howick Village Association launched their inaugural Cultural Food Festival in the Village.
This day finally arrived, following two years of postponements due to lockdowns.
What a day it turned out to be.
The Village pulsated with the sound of buskers, the buzz of the crowd that turned out in their thousands to savour the event.
Great to see families with children and some with dogs in tow enjoying the friendly vibe and fun atmosphere.
Whatever your tastebuds yearned, you could have satisfied them with the array of international cuisine on offer. Be it from one of the additional marquees from Howick Village businesses:
- Marbled Delicatessen offered their new Latino hot dogs
- Daisy Chang shared wonderful Asian fusion cuisine
- The Good Home with their special butter chicken dish
- Katch Café and their Korean cuisine
- Benjarong Restaurant with their Thai cuisine
Or from the huge variety of vendors along Picton Street with the following cuisines/foods: Lebanese, Iranian, Italian, Colombian, South African, Nomad Tacos, Grown Up Donuts, gelatos and sorbets, whitebait and mussel fritters, Finnish pastries, pretzels, dumplings, French crepes, falafels and churros, Double Dutch fries, organic juices, Tea Thief caravan, alcohol free beverages and more.
There was something for everyone!
Throw in the entertainment, highlighted by the piping of the Haggis along the main street, followed by the Ode to the Haggis.
Then the giant goblet race the length of the street, where representatives of the local hospitality businesses had to race and ‘manage’ a giant goblet of liquid through the crowd without losing content. It was a battle of speed and agility.
There was also the exquisite Indonesian dance group in traditional dress in Fencible walkway, the ukelele orchestra and several solo artists throughout the Village.
We look forward to an even bigger and better one next year. Thanks to all who assisted in bringing this event to fruition.
- By Ken Scott
Chair, Howick Village Association
