Why will this be your best day out?
Sculpture & Art
The Kimbolton Sculpture Festival sees all sorts at our local domain: makers and creatives, sculptors, artists, musicians, farmers and lifestylers.
There’s $18,000 worth of prizes to be won, so stick around to see who takes the top prizes.
Take part in choosing the People’s Choice Award and the sculpture live auction, or purchase that stunning piece of art.
House and garden divas will haggle over who gets to load the 4x4 with some really big sculptures or an art work to hang on the wall.
Children’s fun
From the famous Kimbolton Sculpture Festival Crazy Joe’s hay jump, mystery wool dig, boating in the 14,000l sculpture pool, target shooting, radical obstacle course, pony rides and much more, urban and rural children will experience the unique fun activities for free.
Assisted by tutors, they can also have a go at creating their own mini sculpture.
City parents can expect to lose children for a day of fun and entertainment they won’t get anywhere else.
Food and Craft Stalls
Need some nourishment or feeling thirsty?
We’ve got plenty to choose from. All the well-known food trucks, complemented by a number of local food providers, offering the regions finest food, treats & coffee.
Looking for that special gift or garden ornament?
Browse amongst over 100 quality craft stalls from throughout the region supported by many local stall holders.
Cars will leave packed with craft goodies. Not something you'd wanna miss. If you’ve got a Ute – bring it – you’ll need all the room it’s got.
Interactive Activities
Watch a blacksmith, a woodworker, a sculptor, an artist or craftsperson go about their work.
We have an interactive area where a selection of creative artists show you how its done.
What to expect:
*A wonderful day out with jaw dropping sculptures that reflect on this beautiful land we live in.
*Proof that art is for everyone and that a little village is big on community spirit and heart.
*Prize money that makes the competition hot with categories that cater for all.
*Activities that will fill your day and keep the whole family happy, true country hospitality will be here by the bucket load.
*Free children’s activities.
*Quality stalls, good food and great coffee.
* Big mobile homes are expected to park up and family campers plan to make a weekend of it.
*A feeling of inclusion and positivity…..this festival is for everyone. Think of it as a mental health day off the farm, a day out of the house and an adventure with a difference.
And so much more
Music, car parades, band parades, sculpture auctions, fine arts, prize giving’s…. there is so many more reasons why this will be your best day out.
What's at stake?
Northern Manawatu comes together as a community to create the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival.
Our charitable trust works with local community groups, schools, businesses, sponsors and local government.
Our trustees are passionate about enhancing the wellbeing of rural people through art, by encouraging creativity and active participation by ordinary rural people. Spending some time in the workshop creating sculptures and forgetting the daily woes for a while does wonders for mental health and wellbeing and we all benefit.
International studies have shown the benefits of creating art. It’s a reason for people from all over New Zealand to turn off the telly and make something. You're invited to take a bit of a punt, risk something, and have a go. It's supposed to be fun.
Sculptor Entries
Make an original sculpture and let that niggling good idea become a reality. We encourage you to use recycled materials and what is at hand. What’s in the shed? Be creative, give-it-a-go and get on board.
The top prize is $5000 and there are more than 10 categories.
About Kimbolton
Ours is a small town. Kimbolton village is home to 250 people and more than 1500 people inhabit the wider district. In April 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 we have hosted the very successful Kimbolton Sculpture Festival with up to 5,500 people attending each festival from throughout New Zealand.
We love our place in the hills north of Feilding. Artists, musicians, academics, and all sorts of practical types make this a community. There's a pub, a self-serve petrol bowser, cafe, police house, fire station, a few churches, a town hall and a thriving school and preschool.
It takes a while to get here and a blink to drive through, but our village on the crest of green hills and the people we call neighbours are the real deal.
