Save the date: A Night Noodle Market will be taking over the West Street carpark in Ashburton on Saturday 2 September.

The event is being organised by the Hakatere Multicultural Council and Ashburton District Council’s Welcoming Communities team, and celebrates national Multicultural Day and Welcoming Week.

Hakatere Multicultural Council co-ordinator Mercedes Walkham said noodles are a delicious and versatile food eaten in many different cultures around the world.

“So the Night Noodle Market is a great way to celebrate the diversity of our community and learn about different cultures.

“By trying their food, people can start to understand and appreciate the many flavours that now make up our community.”

The national Multicultural Day is on the last Friday of August, and Welcoming Week – Te Wiki o Manaaki runs from 1-10 September, with the theme nau mai rā, glad you’re here.

A mix of local businesses and noodle vendors will be offering at least one noodle dish at the night market in Ashburton on 2 September.

“We have a variety of options, including Korean, Thai, Singaporean, Filipino, Japanese, Cantonese, Samoan, Indian and Italian,” Mercedes said.

“The market will be set up in the West Street carpark, but we also have some of our local restaurants getting on board for the night, so people can see what they are offering too.”

Local restaurants supporting the noodle theme include Cleavers, Fine Lion, Kelly’s, Formosa and Indian Minar. Noodle vendors at the market include Purple Dragon, Jaeju, Pom’s Thai, Nora’s Kitchen, Sangkusta, and A&F Island Taste.

Live music on the night will be provided by Tyrone Schwalger, who will be there with his acoustic guitar singing covers and originals.

Acting Chief Executive Jane Donaldson said Council was pleased to be co-hosting the Night Noodle Market and celebrating the district’s diverse community.

“We hope people will also take time to walk around our newly-developed CBD and take in the lanterns and lights of the town while enjoying some good food and company.”

In the event of wet weather, the noodle market will move to Sunday 3 September.

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