Because Polyfest has grown so much that we simply can’t fit all the schools into one day! We have an incredible number of schools wanting to perform — an epic problem to have! Moving to two days means:

• We can finish on time each day

• Every school gets the space to celebrate their awesome students

• No one misses out on performing

It means more breathing room! Instead of cramming everyone into one day, schools will have a clear schedule and time to shine, ensuring we finish on time while still celebrating every group.

Yes! Polyfest has exploded in size with more schools, more performances, more cultural pride. One day simply isn’t enough anymore.

Yes! Friday evening will have an opening celebration vibe with cultural performances and a chance for families to enjoy after work. Saturday will be the full-day showcase with all the remaining school performances.

Two days means more time to enjoy performances, more flexibility for families, and a bigger celebration of culture. You can come Friday night, Saturday, or both!

We hope so! If the community loves the two-day format and it works well for schools, we’ll keep building on this success.

Polyfest is a celebration created by our communities for our young people. As the festival continues to grow, so do the costs of ensuring it remains safe, well-organised, and high quality for everyone.

The $5 entry fee is a small contribution that goes directly back into the festival. It helps support staging, sound, security, waste management, logistics, and the many behind-the-scenes teams who care for our performers and families. Every dollar helps strengthen Polyfest so it can continue to thrive for future generations.

All attendees aged 12 years and over are asked to pay the $5 entry fee. Children under 12 enter free.

No. All registered performers, tutors and supervising teachers enter free of charge.

Your contribution helps provide:

• High-quality staging and sound so performances shine

• Safe event operations and security

• Waste management and sustainability systems

• Logistical support teams and backstage care

• A positive, well-supported experience for every school and performer

• For the future sustainability of Canterbury Polyfest.

It’s a small donation that helps create a safe, uplifting environment where our tamaiti/ children can perform with pride.

Yes. Accessibility remains a priority for us.

·       Children under 12 are free

·       The entry fee is kept low at $5

·       Schools will share posters, newsletter blurbs, and reminders so families can plan ahead

·       Our aim is to balance affordability with caring responsibly for the festival and everyone who takes part.

Yes. Gate entry will be available, with EFTPOS and cash options.

Yes. Online ticketing will be available before the official announcement, giving families the option to purchase in advance if that’s easier.

We understand that every family’s situation is different. Schools and community partners are welcome to contact the organising team confidentially to discuss support options. Polyfest is about inclusion, not exclusion.

As Polyfest grows, so does our responsibility to provide a safe, culturally grounded, and high-quality event. Introducing an entry fee helps ensure we can meet these responsibilities without compromising the experience for our young people or the wider community.

We will review the fee annually. Our goal is always to keep Polyfest accessible while maintaining high standards our communities and young people deserve.