Departing Mayor Neil Brown will talk about his time leading the Ashburton District, when he opens the Lifelong Learning Festival in the Ashburton Library next month.

The free festival is on 9 September, during Adult Learners’ Week.

Mayor Brown has served 21 years on Council, the past six as mayor, and he said it was a job that required constant learning.

“I remember my first term, learning to listen and talking only when needed, and then getting to grips with meeting procedure and the Local Government rules.

“You also need to know how to work as a team and relate to a wide range of people, so I’ve been learning on the job for a long time now and it’s great to be part of this local learning festival.”

The Lifelong Learning Festival will run from 4pm until 7pm on Tuesday 9 September. It features both a programme of 10 different talks and demonstrations run in the library's Event Space, as well as interactive activities throughout the building, run by over 30 learning providers and groups.

Attendees can have a go at watercolour painting, virtual reality training and sign language, get health checks, wellbeing tips and business advice. They can walk away with free lightbulbs, keyrings they've made, results from a careers personality test, information about study support and university courses, and so much more!

The event is a collaboration between the Ashburton Library and Keep Learning Mid Canterbury, and coordinator Kate White said there would be something for everyone, from hands-on interactive experiences to free hot chips from the Ashburton Lions Club.

“The aim is to celebrate all the different learning opportunities in our district. So if you are looking to upskill for work, or want to pick up a new hobby or keep busy in retirement, then I encourage you to come along on September 9 and come early as there is so much to experience!"

The event also includes supervised children’s activities and a scavenger hunt, as well as prizes, giveaways and a free sausage sizzle.

The event also includes free children’s activities and a scavenger hunt, as well as prizes and giveaways.

Ms White said people didn’t need to book or get tickets to attend, and could just show up on the day.

“Anyone who signs up through humanitix will also be sent a copy of the festival programme.”

This event is taking place during Adult Learners' Week Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga.

Live Presentations on the Day

4pm: My Time as Mayor   Mayor Neil Brown

4.20: Beatmaking demonstration  Ben Tomassetti, Ashburton Library

4.35: Youth finding their feet beekeeping  Sharon Watson and Georgie Wade

4:55: Watercolour painting demonstration  Lynda Scott, Ashburton Society of Arts

5.15: Yoga Introduction  Lauren Stokes, Nourish Health

5.30: Give Sasa a Go, Samoan Slap Dancing  Laura Viliamu, Agape Siva Kingdom Dance

5.45: A Bagpipe Adventure  Harrison Doak

6.05.: What makes a good photo?  Nel Davison, Ashburton Photographic Society

6.20: Tau'olunga, Tongan dance performance  Nat Taufa

6.35: Healthy Eating on a Budget  Jo Taylor, Kai for Kids

6.50: Closing and prize draws Kate White, Keep Learning Mid Canterbury