All the fun of a modern fair and family beach day will rub shoulders with history at Sunday’s Broad Bay Gala Day — a highlight of the celebrations for the 175th anniversary of European settlement.
Live music, local performances, food trucks, historic boats and children’s activities will keep all the family entertained at the event, set to run from 11am to 3pm at the Broad Bay Beach Reserve.
Visitors are encouraged to dress up in vintage gear for the occasion.
Organising committee head Amber Sharma said the Broad Bay Gala Day would be "a great day out", offering something for everyone to enjoy, from local bands to a sand castle competition.
"We are all about bringing the community together and having fun," she said.
"After a long winter, everyone is ready for it."
A purpose-built stage at the Broad Bay Beach Reserve will host a busy programme of entertainment, including band Tiny Pieces of 8, musician Tomuri Spicer, kapa haka, a Victorian costume parade, Khamzin Tribe belly dancers, Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass Band, and The Pugs.
It will also be the first outing of newly formed Broad Bay community singing group Choir! Choir!
Ms Sharma said the $2 gala entry fee would include chances to win a raffle, and visitors could also visit a range of historic exhibitions, events and open days around Broad Bay.
"So bring a picnic blanket, bring the family and spend the day in Broad Bay."
The No 18 Dunedin-Portobello bus service runs every hour.
