Exciting adventure ahead for ILT Kidzone Festival,14-19 July 2021!


‘Adventure’ is the apt theme for this year’s ILT Kidzone Festival, which after a year in hibernation is venturing to a new location.

Presented by Great South, the popular family festival attended by more than 11,000 people in 2019, will be held at Southland Girls’ High School from 14 to 19 July.

ILT Kidzone mascot Kidzonian with Festival head ranger Karen Witham



Great South events manager and festival ‘head ranger’ Karen Witham said with last year’s event cancelled, it allowed the wider festival team an opportunity to reimagine the festival and a new venue to be considered.

“We had 15 fun years at James Hargest College and it’s sad to see that come to an end after the school was so good to us, but we’re also excited about the changes ahead.

One of the benefits of the new location was that it was closer to the middle of the city, Mrs Witham said.

“Kidzone attracts about 1600 people per day, so we expect there to be a positive spin off for the CBD, and a bit of a buzz around town.”

“After a year off, we just can’t wait to welcome families and friends back for the event and are excited about delivering the festival at Southland Girls’ High School”.

Southland Girls’ High School principal Yvonne Browning said the school was delighted to be asked to host the event.

“It was an easy decision to make to support such a wonderful community event and we look forward to the wider community visiting our school while attending the festival.”

Tickets for the 16th festival are now on sale.

Mrs Witham said more than 160 activities, including festival favourites as well as exciting new elements, would be part of the festival, and all activities were included in the ticket price.

“My advice is for people to get in early and purchase tickets for their preferred day before they sell out.”

Tickets are $18 per person per day, with under two-year-olds free, and can be purchased from iltkidzone.co.nz, ILT Stadium Southland or at the gate on the day, if not sold out prior.

Families can keep in touch with the latest announcements, ticket giveaways and new activity highlights on the ILT Kidzone Facebook page.

ILT Kidzone is proudly presented by Great South, with generous support from community funders including the Invercargill Licensing Trust, the ILT Foundation, Community Trust South and the Southern Trust.

For more information please contact festival director Karen Witham phone 027 777 8997.

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