Twenty ethnic groups from throughout Manawatu will come together on and offstage for the World on Stage performance in Palmerston North.

The biennial event will feature a mixture of cultures performing at the Regent Theatre, and also incorporate a variety of ethnic flavours in city restaurants.

The opportunity to consume cultural delicacies beforehand will be provided by 12 restaurants in central Palmerston North on the night of the show on Saturday next week.

The groups will perform items for what is hoped to be packed-out audience, chairman of the World on Stage committee Alan Young said.

"There are over 100 different ethnicities in the Manawatu, and some 20 per cent of the population of our community were born outside of New Zealand.

"We must understand about each different culture to live harmoniously together in the same community," he said.

The concert profits will go to the Multicultural Centre in Palmerston North. The show, directed by Dean McKerras, will start at 7pm on September 8.

DINNER SPECIAL

A pre-show dinner special, between 5pm and 6.30pm, will be held at Angkor, Flavour Bistro, Chinatown, Monsoon Asia, Halikarnas, Hana MiZuki, El Gusto, The Gallery, Bethany's, Roma and The Grand Beer and Wine Cafe.

- © Fairfax NZ News