Almost 70 tickets were gifted to community members at the recent Wānaka Festival of Colour, thanks to the ‘Pay it Forward’ initiative.

The checkout option allowed ticket buyers to donate the cost of a ticket to someone who might not otherwise have been able to attend, festival executive director Ruth Heath said. 

“Thanks to the generosity of our amazing festival-goers, we were able to gift nearly 70 tickets - valued at $2,765 - through Community Link Upper Clutha to families, solo parents, over-65s, and others in our community who were genuinely surprised and grateful,” she said.

“For many, the festival wasn’t something they’d considered attending - and the chance to experience it brought unexpected joy.”

Ruth said donors felt great about giving, the festival gained ticket sales, and recipients enjoyed unforgettable festival experiences - “a true triple win”.

Community Link general manager Kate Murray said the initiative was “a treat many of our clients wouldn’t have thought possible”.

“We’ve already seen first-hand how powerful it is for people to be given the opportunity to attend events like these. It’s not just about the show itself – it’s about offering people moments of fun, connection, and belonging,” she said.

Wānaka Festival of Colour took place from March 29-April 26. The festival’s next event will be next year’s Aspiring Conversations (March 27–29, 2026).

Become a Festival of Colour donor here.

PHOTO: Supplied