Day Two at the 2009 Festival of Colour

Renowned environmentalist, Bill McKibben from the USA, today marked the start of the Festival of Colour’s Aspiring Conversations programme. Following his two compelling talks on the impacts of global warming and how it can be dealt with, the audience was left in no doubt about the urgency of addressing climate change.

He said that while it was important for each household and each community to make changes to reduce carbon emissions, the only way to get the necessary 80% cut in carbon emissions was dramatic emergency action that could only come from the politicians. He outlined how every community around the world, however big or small, could influence the psychological bar at the forthcoming COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference through the 350.org movement.
“Today was a real substantial engagement with issues which is exactly what we wanted Aspiring Conversations to be,” said festival director, Philip Tremewan. “Tomorrow the tone will be lighter, but the subject no less serious, with Joe Bennett’s experience of the Chinese economic renaissance and the on Friday we gain a privileged insight into the world of renowned war reporter, Christina Lamb.”

Other highlights of the second day of the Festival of Colour included the preview of Le Sud in Clyde, in preparation for the world premiere on Friday 1 May when Wanaka will turn French for the day. Witches Over Wanaka, Strange Resting Places and the New Zealand Army Dance Band continued to play to full houses while the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra kicked off the touring programme in Glenorchy to standing room only.
The day closed to the sultry beats of Mamaku Project who had the packed Infinity Crystal Palace entranced by their French bohemian melodies intertwined with moody dub, jazz and a touch of the Middle East combined with a very impressive theatrical presence.

The Festival of Colour continues until 3 May 2009 with tickets still available for a number of shows and is generously supported by Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Otago, Creative New Zealand, Infinity Investment Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Aurora. For further information and ticket sales visit www.festivalofcolour.co.nz