Central Otago District Council welcoming communities officer Heather Harris said the talent festival, in Cromwell, was the brainchild of Fran Dustin, who had returned to Cromwell after living and working overseas.
Ms Dustin could see Central Otago was becoming more multicultural and wanted to see the diverse community united.
"There was a need for more cohesion and interaction between the different cultures . . . to come together to create a more socially cohesive society, which is something that we all want.”
Cromwell resident Dimple Tuteja, from Delhi, India, introduced the performers to an audience of 150 people.
Juan Pablo Gutierrez, of Chile, took the audience on a tour with his guitar from Central Chile to Easter Island and Patagonia.
A dance from the Gujarat state in India, performed around the statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga, was performed by Mamta Nerurkar.
The Central Otago Filipino community contributed dance, bamboo sticks and a solo performance of Fly Me to the Moon by Kaye Gamino.
Eight-year-old Sophie Hunter gave a classical ballet performance followed by Meraine Rotaria’s Te Bino dance from Kiribati.
Jagdeep Kumar, from Punjab in India, composed his own song accompanied by drums, which told his powerful story of overcoming alcohol addiction.
Roxburgh resident Olga Ilina invited the audience to join her in a simple traditional Russian dance, followed by mentalist and magician Jeremy Armitage demonstrated his abilities.
The Fine Thyme Belles chose songs that represented the inspiration, support and connection the diverse group of women gained through music.
Gospel songs along with fun and vibrant action songs from the Tongan community finished off the show.
Mrs Harris was delighted with the event and said its success was due to the commitment of the organisers and performers.
