19 November 2004

Jingle bells and latté smells for Ponsonby Christmas

The city’s trendiest suburb is gearing up to celebrate Christmas “Ponsonby style” with a new community event that will see Ponsonby Road jingling like never before.

This distinctive neighbourhood will be joining together to meld its artistic flair and eclectic lifestyles into a “Christmas on Ponsonby Road” party on Friday, 17 December from 7pm to 9pm.

Aucklanders from all suburbs are encouraged to get along to Ponsonby and enjoy some extra “ho ho” in their lattés.

The main strip of Ponsonby Road will be alive with a variety of street entertainers, carol singers, choirs and performing groups, while local businesses will stay open for a one time late night of shopping until 9pm.

While there will be fun and revelry all the way up Ponsonby Road, there are three entertainment areas not to be missed: at Western Park there will be more of a family focus with Santa Claus, face painters, carol singers and special treats for the kids around the Franklin Road junction the line-up includes the carnival sounds of AK Samba, the Mexican Mariachis, “divine diva” drag queens and other entertainment around the bars and cafés the stage outside the All Saints church will feature a variety of dynamic drama, dance and cultural items.

Members of the public will be encouraged to cast a vote in the Ponsonby Road Best Dressed Business Competition, explore historic landmarks on the Christmas heritage walk and dine out in some of the city’s best restaurants.

Thousands of people already visit Ponsonby every Christmas to see the amazing fairy light and nativity displays put on by Franklin Road residents.

Auckland City event organiser Meredyth Morgan says “The new event offers local residents the chance of joining together to celebrate their diversity in a way that proudly says “This is how we do Christmas in Ponsonby and it doesn’t have to be old-fashioned!”

She says that the level of interest from the community to date has been tremendous.

“We welcome the valuable support that has already been shown by local residents and businesses,” Ms Morgan says.

Any groups or individuals based in the Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Western Bays areas interested in being involved in the event should contact Ms Morgan on (09) 353 9565.

The free event is organised by Auckland City as part of their Ak@Play summer events programme, with support from Metromedia, Ponsonby Road Promotions, Sponge Bar, European Language Academy and Solid Gold 93.4FM.

Event attendees are encouraged to check Auckland City’s website to find out details of travel and parking tips and the free shuttle services available. Further information will be released prior to the event.

Find out more online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/ponsonbyxmas.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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