let the festivals begin! | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

The cream of Wanganui's arts community was out in force on Friday night for the opening of two fabulous festivals.

The 2009 Wanganui Literary Festival and the Wanganui Festival of Glass opened in unison.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson performed the official opening in the Atrium at UCOL in Rutland Street.

In his official address Mr Finlayson said he hoped to see the Whanganui Iwi's River claim to the Waitangi Tribunal settled on his watch.

He also said it was his preference that the Warren and Mahoney's extension was used for the Sarjeant Gallery.

And within the arts world sponsors and philanthropists were integral for the growth our culture, he said.

In the Atrium, before the opening, it was cocktails and nibbles with the invited writers mingling with local literarti.

Writers who were to speak over the weekend included Dame Fiona Kidman, Kate De Goldi, Dylan Horrocks, Nicky Pellegrino, Kevin Ireland and celebrity chef Ray McVinnie.

Next door the Chronicle glass studio had attracted a huge crowd for Festival of Glass opening.

The studio was buzzing with artists and people catching up, admiring the gorgeous glass pieces on display and enjoying the mood of another festival about to get under way.

American glass artist Josh Simpson said there was no way he would have missed the festival.

"I just love Wanganui and this studio. It is absolutely world class and the work done here is just so intense and utterly exquisite."

Mr Simpson, who is from Massachusetts, said Wanganui's glass art had a diffused quality and was unique.

"The Wanganui glass blowers are fabulous and enormously talented. I love being here."

The Literary Festival runs until tomorrow and the Wanganui Festival of Glass runs until October 4.