Words and food combine at Foundation

Chairs are being rearranged, fresh asparagus is heading to the kitchen and a small stage is being set up: all signs that something is brewing at Foundation.

The team at this friendly cafe are busy preparing for the upcoming Foundation Pop-Up Festival on Saturday November 13: a FREE evening event that will feature back-to-back readings, games, interactive poetry, talks and more.

Organised as part of the revised programme for WORD Christchurch Festival 2021, the event will take the place of the previously advertised New Regent Street pop-up festival. Starting at 5pm, it promises to be a night of fun, festivity and food, with the cafe open for seated drinks and food.

Audience members are invited to come and go throughout the evening.

With no tickets required, Foundation owner Angus Trevella says it will be a one-out, one-in event to ensure numbers meet Level 2 regulations and do not exceed the venue capacity.

‘‘It will be the first event we’ve had for a while – we’re really excited about it and the organisers of WORD Festival have been great,’’ he says.

‘‘It’s kind of like the short story version of an evening out: you can sit in for one session and then go grab a drink. It’s interactive as well, you can get as involved as you want to.’’

Alongside the Foundation Pop-Up Festival, Foundation will also be hosting at The Faraway Near Bar, a smaller, pop-up venue on the upper levels of Tu¯ ranga library.

Opening on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, The Faraway Near Bar will feature guest speakers from outside Canterbury appearing via video link.

Unlike the Foundation PopUp Festival, these are ticketed events ranging from $36-$38 (service fees apply).

Tickets are available through Eventfinda and as numbers are limited, some events have already sold out – so get in quick to confirm your place here.

Both events will be catered for by the excellent Foundation team. Look out for their delicious seasonal dish: local asparagus with hollandaise sauce that will be served fresh on the night.

Cheese platters and drinks will also be available, along with a full evening menu at the Foundation Pop-Up Festival.

Angus describes both events as a great way to be entertained and hear something different.

‘‘The WORD festival has gained momentum, people in Christchurch have become aware of it. It’s designed to be snappy and for the people.’’

For more information on these events, visit https:// wordchristchurch.co.nz/, call Foundation at 03 365 0308, or drop in to talk to the friendly cafe team. Located at Tu¯ranga, opposite from the Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre, Foundation is open weekends from 8.30am to 5pm and weekdays from 7am to 5pm.