28 January 2009 - Waitangi Park is the place to be next Friday as Wellington celebrates our national day in style with a multicultural extravaganza - including live music, kapa haka, dance and food stalls. Te Rā o Waitangi - the Capital's annual free Waitangi Day celebration - will begin at 10am with a karakia led by Wellington Tenths Trust Kaumatua Sam Jackson followed by entertainment from a range of talented young Wellingtonians on the Rangatahi (youth) Stage.

At noon events will move to the main stage with a powhiri by the Tenths Trust, before a stirring kapa haka performance from Te Roopu Tahiwi o te Whanganui a Tara. Then from 12.30pm till 4pm Waitangi Day revelers can dance to their hearts' content with a diverse array of live music including the Jewish folk act Klezmer Rebz, the country western covers group La Femme, and The Maori Volcanics - the legendary showband that helped launch the careers of kiwi legends Billie T James, Prince Tui Teka and Dalvanius Prime.

Event organiser Rebecca Hardie encourages Wellingtonians from all cultures and backgrounds to come along to Waitangi Park early to make the most of the festive atmosphere.

"This is a fantastic all-inclusive event that's ideal for anyone who enjoys soaking up positive vibes and listening to great music." As well scintillating sounds and sights, Rebecca says there will also be plenty of fare to tempt the taste buds.

"There's going to be heaps on offer at the food stalls - traditional Maori kai like hangi, fresh kina and rewena bread; tasty treats from the South Pacific and even some irie Jamaican delicacies."

Speaking of Jamaica, Waitangi Day also coincides with Bob Marley's birthday - and the Capital's reggae-loving massive will be out in force to celebrate both these events at Radio Active's One Love festival at the Hataitai Velodrome.

This year the popular annual event has an exceptional line-up of local musicians including Unity Pacific, Little Bushman, The Black Seeds and Electric Wire Hustle.