Nelson Arts Festival is go!

Media release: 11 October 2012

The banners are up, Founders is transformed, actors and musicians are flying into town – the Nelson Arts Festival is set to take over the city from tomorrow (Friday 12 October) with 17 days of action packed entertainment.

Running until 28 October, the festival programme offers a feast of local, national and international music, theatre, dance, workshops, writers’ talks and more at Founders Heritage Park and other major venues around Nelson.

Nelson City Council Festival Director Sophie Kelly encourages people to make this the year they really experience the festival.

“We’ve spent more than 12 months planning an arts festival that offers something to suit everyone’s taste. The festival brings in shows that don’t usually come to Nelson so it’s a great opportunity to experience a slice of big city entertainment without having to leave home."

The base for the festival is Founders Heritage Park, a great place to soak up the buzz and enjoy the colourful carnival themed park, including carni characters, a House of Mirrors and a plant and light installation called Life in the Luminarium.

Before each ticketed show, you can enjoy free music by local and visiting talent at the Granary Festival Cafe. Ms Kelly says there’s absolutely no obligation to attend a paid show to enjoy the free Granary Sessions.

The popular Masked Parade and More FM Carnivale celebrations are back but this time will be held during the middle of the festival on Friday 19 October. The Masked Parade winds its way around the inner city from 5.30pm. Immediately afterwards in Trafalgar Street is free street-entertainment, food stalls and great live bands including Oh Blok, Tahuna Breaks and recent Rockquest winner New Vinyl, keeping the carnival atmosphere alive until 11pm.

Another free event for the diary is The Bluebridge Founders Finale on Sunday 28 October from 1pm – 5pm, which finishes the festival with a nautical-themed afternoon of piratey games, a good old pirate battle and Irish music from Flying Feet. This is a great chance to get dressed up as your favourite nautical character, and there are goody bags for the best costumes. Watch out for some old pioneering characters roaming the park.

For the full programme of free and ticketed events, visit www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz, or pick up a festival programme at Everyman Records, libraries, retailers, cafes and key visitor outlets in Nelson.

The Nelson Arts Festival is produced by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an attraction for visitors.

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