The Wānaka Festival of Colour was opened today (Sunday March 26) at a gathering of the community at the Wānaka lakefront.

The festival will offer 51 ticketed performances and eight free events across the Upper Clutha this week with 167 artists and presenters descending on Wānaka.

“The breadth and calibre of work on display across theatre, dance, music and spoken word is truly remarkable,” Festival of Colour artistic director Sophie Kelly said.

Dubbed ‘the best little arts festival in New Zealand’, the Wānaka Festival of Colour will run from today (March 26) to Sunday (April 2).

At the opening, festival executive director Charlie Unwin acknowledged the community.

“Together we put on this festival,” he said.

“We appreciate the community support.”

Charlie said ticket sales make up 25 percent of funding with 75 percent coming from community sources; sponsors, trusts, patrons and benefactors. 

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith paid tribute to “the huge amount of work that goes on by the festival trust”.

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said he was proud to represent the community at the opening.

“Wānaka continues to punch above its weight, and we are proud to do so,” he said.

Quentin said he enjoys the street performers and the way the festival reaches out into the community, and the work that goes on with local schools during the week.

Sophie said many shows still have tickets available and she encouraged the community to engage with the festival to experience new ideas and new ways of looking at things.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App