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The first Hutt Winter Festival ignited creativity and collaboration between over 35 cultural and community groups, 502 participants and over 1,500 attendees, in this first 10-day winter celebration of the Hutt, presented by Hutt City Council in creative partnership with Barbarian Productions.

Jo Randerson, Barbarian’s creative Director, said, “Our vision for this festival was to champion the creative spirit of Hutt communities, and we were overwhelmed by the colour and life that families brought to our workshops and events. The valley was buzzing with people learning together and having fun.”

Popular events included Naenae Clubhouse’s fun interactive storytelling bike tour – Illuminating Naenae, Te Rangatahi Learning Centre’s popular 1930s inspired pop up Al Capone’s Soup Kitchen at Holy Trinity Church in Wainuiomata, the beautiful craft and art on show at Te Māori, Waiwhetu as part of the Te Raukura Exhibition, and the six winter workshops that saw families learning a new instrument, creating poi, or crafting with clay and stars.

Councillor Michael Lulich, Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture Subcommittee said, “I was really impressed to see the creativity bursting out across the whole of Lower Hutt, from Wainuiomata to the western hills, and from the North East to Petone beach. I loved the events I attended!”

As this is the first Hutt Winter Festival, Council is keen to receive feedback on what people enjoyed, what can be done better and how people can participate in future festivals. To give your feedback, go to the link and fill out a short survey online: HUTT WINTER FESTIVAL SURVEY

The festival was produced with the generous support of sponsors, hard-working volunteers, interns, community groups and the people of Lower Hutt who wrapped up warm and came out to play.

If you missed anything in the festival you can visit the Hutt Winter Festival Facebook page to see the photos and watch the other videos made by the Taita Clubhouse film crew.