Bigger than last year.

That’s the call ahead of the second annual Hakatere Noodle Festival at Baring Square tomorrow night.

There will be 20 vendors, a mix out-of-towners and Mid Canterbury locals, serving up dishes around the square, outside of the council building.

The council’s group manager for democracy and engagement Toni Durham said the event was part of “Welcoming Week” to celebrate the cultures of migrants who’ve moved to Ashburton.

“We know that many of our migrants and newcomers have traditional dishes that incorporate noodles,’’ Durham said.

“So here in Ashburton, the Hakatere Noodle Festival is a fun way for people to taste another culture’s food, celebrate our district’s diversity and connect with each other.

“By helping newcomers feel valued, respected and supported, we hope to encourage them to stay and further enrich our community with their skills and knowledge.”

Durham said about 5,000 attended last year’s event, which “well exceeded our expectations”. 

Last year’s was held in the West Street carpark and showcased only 12 vendors. 

The anticipation is for another large crowd tomorrow when it begins at 3pm.

If you’re a lover of classic dishes, then fear not. Bangkok Wok’s Nick Koster said they’ll be serving up a few favourites.

Koster said the festival will be one of the bigger events they’ve attended.

“It’s not just about the food vendors though, it’s also about the Ashburton community.”

Koster, whose father immigrated to New Zealand from the Netherlands, said Mid Canterbury had become a hub for migrant families.

“It’s becoming very diverse now.

“Filipinos, Chilean, Argentinians, they’re all coming in for dairy (work), and under migrant passes to work in a smaller town. And, honestly, they work hard.”

By Anisha Satya