Day Three at the 2009 Festival of Colour

It was a day of contrasts on the third day of the Festival of Colour with dogs, columnists, poets and some slightly loopy sisters packing the venues.

In what festival director, Philip Tremewan, said was “the best session yet” of Aspiring Conversations, award-winning poet Glenn Colquhoun gave an articulate insight into the mind that creates such masterpieces as Playing God and The Art of Walking Upright. “We are hugely privileged to be alive and most of the time we forget that the world is full of exquisite moments and poetry is about those moments. To write is exhilarating, whether published or not.”

In his session, “Where Underpants Come From”, renowned columnist and author Joe Bennett was equally articulate with his keenly observed account of his journeys in China, following the trail of his cheap undies from The Warehouse. In true Bennett style, he was easily led onto other topical issues with hilarious and frank observations that most people would be afraid to admit but all could relate to.

Hundreds of school children crowded into three performances of Tale of A Dog, enchanting children aged from two to six with its circus-inspired story of triumph over adversity. Further afield, touring audiences enjoyed performances of the New Zealand Army Band, Strange Resting Places and Finders Keepers in Hawea, Bannockburn and Clyde.

The Kransky Sisters had the Infinity Crystal Palace audience in stitches with their quirky show that has won awards around the world. From their deadpan dialogue to the humorous song covers, their unique brand of humour kept the packed Palace rolling with laughter late into the night.

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