The 2013 Southland Festival of the Arts will be one of the best yet, say organisers.

The family-friendly festival, which runs from April 25 to May 12, will showcase a variety of art events in the region and feature visiting exhibitions, shows and performers.

Venture Southland creative arts manager Angela Newell said Southlanders would be spoilt for choice with about 20 individual shows, presented by dozens of artists.

It was the fifth year Venture Southland had produced the festival, which drew top acts, she said.

The festival programme was launched at an event in the Civic Theatre on Friday night and would be distributed throughout the region in the next few days.

"I am really happy with the programme. I think the festival will be one of the best yet," Ms Newell said.

Dan Davin Literary Foundation co-ordinator Rebecca Amundsen said she was looking forward to a Robbie Burns poetry night and an evening exploring the life of New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield, which included a screening of the film Bliss.

Paddington Arms owner and executive chef Graham Hawkes recommended "Invers on a plate".

"I think this will be a highlight for many people and I believe it could be the first time in New Zealand food and wine will be included in an art festival," he said.

Southland artists and musicians will feature in selected restaurants that will showcase Southland food.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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