5 September, 2025
Fancy a jig? Katikati is invited to dance and sway the night away – just like they used to 150 years ago – next Saturday evening at a family-friendly Settlers’ Dance on September 13. Prepare to be mesmerised as you walk into Katikati War Memorial Hall, reckons Robert Hubble, Terelle Carroll and Brett Lowe,
pictured. They’re part of the team recreating an evening of dancing that the town’s Irish settlers would have relished back in 1875. The pinnacle of next weekend’s 150th anniversary events – to mark the arrival of Ulster Irish settlers in Katikati in 1875 – the Settlers’ Dance is free to attend.
Lowe has a 12-piece band set to perform in period costume with many instruments from the early days. Dance-goers can expect songs from 1875 through each decade to the 1950s. “People will get to enjoy a journey through 75 years of music in one evening,” Lowe said. Attendees are invited to dress up in period
costume too, to really revel in the one-off event. “It will be fun night with lots of dancing – and the silent film is set to be just hilarious,” said Carroll. “Everybody is welcome, entry is a koha-donation and a plate of cold finger food.” Read more about next weekend’s 150th anniversary events on pages 2-3. Photo / Brydie Thompson
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