Tauranga’s annual celebration of inclusion and community spirit returns this coming week with Celebrate Together 2025 – a free circus-themed festival marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Hosted by Circability Trust, the event will take place Wednesday, December 3, from 10am-2pm at Jordan Field, Memorial Park.
Issac Laurance, Pete Lumos Wyatt and Tara O’Neil at Memorial Park in 2024. Photo / Kelly O'Hara Images
Celebrate Together is designed to bring the community together to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities. The event provides a welcoming space for everyone to connect, participate, and celebrate the diverse strengths of Tauranga Moana.
“This year’s event will feature live performances, including a special kapa haka performance by Idea Services, along with other local performers,” said Rowan Ford Dawson, from Circability Trust’s Bay of Plenty Hub.
DJ Spin
“There will also be an open-mic session for individuals and groups to showcase their talents. DJ Spin – Dan Cox – is returning this year to help create a lively festival atmosphere.”
Dan Cox (DJ Spin) is returning for 2025’s event. Photo / Kelly O'Hara Images
Circability Trust will run interactive circus workshops throughout the day, offering juggling, balancing, hula hoops and more, suitable for all ages and abilities.
According to Tauranga City Council’s 2020 Vital Update report, 10.2% of Tauranga residents identify as having a disability, while a further 6% care for someone with a disability – meaning more than 20,000 people in the city are directly affected in their daily lives.
“A wide range of organisations will join us to support and celebrate disability awareness, youth development, wellbeing, and community resilience,” Dawson said.
Roger Knyvett at Circability’s celebration event. Photo / Kelly O'Hara Images
Stallholders for 2025 include: Stem Wana Trust, Nurture Paediatrics, The Different OT, Youth Central, Parafed Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City Library, TCC Community Development, TCC Emergency Management, Spectrum Connections, Tautoko Mai, Wish 4 Fish, Youth Voices Action, SILC, CCS Disability Action, Argos Gymnastics, and Glass Ceiling.
“These groups will host information stalls, interactive activities, and demonstrations showcasing the services, support, and opportunities available within Tauranga Moana.”
Circability Trust will run interactive circus workshops throughout the day, offering juggling, balancing, hula hoops and more, suitable for all ages and abilities. Photo / Kelly O'Hara Images
Dawson said the event is also a chance for newcomers to discover Circability Trust’s work.
“We welcome everyone to come along. It’s the perfect opportunity for people who haven’t worked with us before to experience what we do in a positive, supportive environment.
“Bring your whānau, friends, and a picnic, and enjoy a day of celebration, creativity, connection, and community pride.”
Celebrate Together 2025 is on Wednesday, December 3, 10am-2pm at Jordan Field, Memorial Park. The wet weather venue will be Youth Central, 13th Ave, Tauranga South.