Local talent to provide entertainment at Opera House - Otago Daily Times

The Waitaki Arts Festival’s "Made in the Waitaki" is a celebration of Oamaru’s established arts community.

While the festival has 19 acts, including some well-known names, next Thursday’s dance and musical performance night at the Oamaru Opera House was a celebration of the "really talented ... local base", including a performance by the Oamaru Garrison Band to start the night.

The evening will include a full programme of performances by locals only.

"If there’s young ones who come, and families who come, they might think, I can do that. It motivates them," festival director Frances McElhinney said.

And because the event would be repeated every two years the audience had a chance, over time, to watch young performers develop.

"And just to see how they evolve and grow is really part of it. When you can see someone who is so talented, their growth is so exciting."

This year’s show would showcase a variety of junior and senior performers and include a "fashion fling".

"I don’t want to give too much away.

"We’ll have a few surprise elements as well.

"It’s just the opportunity to mix it up a bit."