Ashburton College is ready to roll for this year’s Canterbury Polyfest, following their Fiafia night (happy get together) on Wednesday.

The 85-strong Polyfest crew and the school’s Kapahaka group performed for parents and friends at the Sinclair Community Centre ahead of the big day.

For some dancers, like 14 year old Sione Tuakoi, it was a chance to practice performing in front of an audience before taking on the big stage at Hagley Park.

“I [felt] nervous but also excited.

“Probably Polyfest [will be scarier] because there’s way more people.”

Tuakoi said the college’s routine includes a Samoan, Tongan and Fijian set.

“We’ve been practicing, I’m pretty sure, for six or seven weeks now.

“I joined it because I wanted to represent my culture.”

It was a particularly special performance for 17 year old Tongan leader Makeleta Ula.

“The Tongans are performing a Sōkē, which is a warrior dance.

“It’s from my village, so it’s really important to me, I’m really excited.”

Everyone was decked out in colourful traditional attire, from Tongan faka ha'apai (woven mat) to Samoan Puletasis, for the night.

“We’re not wearing our actual costumes though - we’re saving those for the day.”

Deputy principal Hannibal Ikahihifo, who’s coordinated the school’s Polyfest entries for the last three years, said the whole routine is a team effort.

“It’s all student-led, it's driven by what the students want to do.

“They’re supported by the parents who have all the cultural knowledge.”

He was stoked with the audience turnout for the night, with most seats in the centre filled with relatives, friends and some community leaders.

Ikahihifo said it’s all about bringing culture together in the end.

“As long as [the students] have fun - they’ve put in a lot of work, not just the students but their families - As long as they’re able to showcase what they want to, I’m happy.”

Ashburton College are the only Ashburton school taking the stage at Polyfest this year.

The event runs from 8.30am to 5pm, and AshColl are the eighth school on the performance roster.

Entry is a koha at the gates.

By Anisha Satya