Festival proves to be a hit

BIG AIR: The athletic ability of the Big Air Cheersports gymnasts from Tawa had the crowd enthralled with their high-octane routine in front of the main stage.

HIGH FLYER: The Empress Stiltdance climaxed in a breathtaking spinning of the central character, much to the crowd's delight.

HAVIN' FUN: Simon Gilbert makes sure daughter Sadie is into the swing of things as the beats from Sam Manzanza and the Rhythm African Band ring out over Te Rauparaha Park.

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Porirua's Festival of the Elements went off "without a hitch" on Saturday, organisers say, with hot weather and the public spoilt for choice throughout the day.

First held in 1992, the festival has become a fixture on the city's calendar, showcasing an array of local and international talent and this year was no exception. With provisional numbers at Pataka, Te Rauparaha Arena and Park, the Aquatic Centre and skate park put at around 30,000 during the day; any fears of less attendees because of the economy or clashes with other events were quickly dispelled.

"I'm still on a bit of a high, actually," the event's co-ordinator Margaret Armour told Kapi-Mana News on Sunday. "Everyone I spoke to was so pleased with the way it all went off ... credit has to go to everyone who made it what it was."

Budget cutbacks meant the occasion was not as well advertised as in the past and things like portaloos and signage at the park had to be forgone.

Despite this, Ms Armour said those who gave their time to help run the event mucked in "even more than usual" to make it a success, and the team ran like a "well-oiled machine".

She thought there were more "out-of-towners" and older people present than in past years.

The Kapi-Mana News Art Action kids' activities was buzzing all day, the variety of performers on the main stage  from a pipe band, cheerleading display, African music, to the Miti family  kept folks entertained, the eye-catching Empress Stiltdance show was always packed, the ice sculpture contest was extremely popular and events in Pataka, the Arena theatre and performing arts space drew healthy crowds.

"There were so many cool things happening and it gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction to have it go so well," Ms Armour said.

"I'm passionate about Porirua and it just goes to show there are things we can offer in the arts here."

Once she caught her breath, Ms Armour said preparations would start for Festival of the Elements 2011.

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