Heritage Festival by Kay Mercer

Harbour City: Dunedin Heritage Festival 

FRIDAY 13 – MONDAY 23 OCTOBER (includes Labour weekend)

Immerse yourself in the history of New Zealand's most important early ‘harbour city’. The ten-day programme of events celebrates our Otago Harbour heritage and also offers a vision for the future. 

 Choose from a varied programme of events, including family activities, on both sides of the harbour as well as in the central city. There are special events, talks, exhibitions, trails, tours, historic films from the 1930s and an opportunity to share your harbour photos.

Kick off with a novel Festival opening at Taiaroa Head Royal Albatross Centre on Friday 13 October at 4pm (ticket event, plus transport options) On Saturday visit open building, follow Festival trails and join in the fun at the Vogel St Party. Sunday celebrations feature Otago Peninsula’s living heritage: Glenfalloch Gala Day, Portobello Heritage Trail Launch, historic films, tours., exhibitions and much more.

Dunedin Public Library hosts a panel discussion on the Future of the Otago Harbour on Monday 16th October, as well as presentations by Margaret and Sophie Barker on 50 years at Larnach Castle and the Otago Peninsula Trust on Tuesday 17th October. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum will host David Murray's Lawson Lecture on early Dunedin’s Architects on Wednesday 18th October, and readings and performances of Ship Board Diaries on Thursday 19th October, followed by  the symposium Building a City from the Sea on Friday 20th October.

Book a Dunedin Railways return train trip through the tunnel to Port on Saturday 21st October, including a special excursion to the Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell Garden Fete. Visit Port Otago's facilities, including the working tugboat, visit the special exhibitions in the Maritime Museum and enjoy a variety of activities at the Port Chalmers Library and Town Hall. Other attractions in the Port include historic films, a Victorian fashion show, performances, talks, swing dancing and guided tours. And don't miss the opportunity to visit Quarantine Island on Sunday 22nd October.

Monday 23rd October concludes with a guided walk along part of Dunedin’s original shoreline, and Josephine's Birthday Party at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

For more infornation check the Harbour City Festival brochure, the website and Facebook.

The Southern Heritage Trust, organising the Festival on behalf of the city, expresses its thanks to sponsors and partners and the many people and organisations that are supporting the Festival.


Heritage Festival events at Dunedin Public Libraries

Saturday 21st October

HOME, HISTORY, PORT CHALMERS 

Local residents are invited to consult DCC archivist Alison Breese and Chris Scott on the history of your house using land ownership records dating back to the 1860s.
10:30am-12:15pm, Port Chalmers Library.
Free event


POETRY AT PORT

Local poets celebrate the people and place of Port Chalmers.
3pm-3:45pm, Rolfe Room, Port Chalmers Library.
Free event

THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK

Lewis Carroll's famous poem, brought to life by the talented young actors of the Suitcase Theatre. Suitable for all ages.

1.15pm-2pm and 3pm-3.45pm, Port Chalmers Town Hall. Free event


Public talks at Dunedin City Library, Dunningham Room, 4th floor

Reimagining Otago Harbour: Today's Values, Tomorrow's Uses. Speaker: Neville Peat
Monday, 16 October 2017 6.30pm 

50 Years at Larnach Castle and the Otago Peninsular Trust. Speakers: Margaret Barker, Sophie Barker
Tuesday, 17 October 2017 6.30pm