Kawakawa Bay Welcomes Back Christmas in the Park

Kawakawa Bay will once again resound to the sound of community and Christmas when the annual Christmas in The Park Event takes place on Sunday December 13. Following on from the inaugural resurrection of the popular community event last year, the local organisers have been hard at work developing the 2015 event. According to organiser Judi Cranston, “We have refined the schedule to allow lots more local content on top of the world class talent and underscored the stage with improved sound engineering and lighting. On top of that, we have engaged popular South Auckland identity Willie Iosia to tie the event all together as MC. We are very excited about the event and look forward to all the community participating in what will be a real fun evening.”

Organisers have moved the event to early December to avoid pre-Christmas overload and unsettled weather, as well as timing the event for a family-friendly 5-7pm Sunday evening. Organised to combine Christmas tidings with a celebration of local talent, the event ticks all the boxes for locals, showcasing local talent and providing a family orientated evening for all. Popular acts such as the Kawakawa Bay Ukulele Group, Matt John and Davina Wilson and soloist Soprano Gina Sanders are slated to return whilst local MP Andrew Bayley will once again relish his role as judge.

Funding for the event is as ever dependent on community support and sponsorship. An application for funding has been lodged with Auckland City and locals are appealing for sponsorship and donated prizes to ensure the event can cover its costs. According to Cranston, “With last year’s audience topping 300, we have to plan for an even larger audience this year, all of which comes at a cost. We are so fortunate to enjoy the continued support of key supporters Kawakawa Bay Community Church, Zealandia and Barfoot and Thompson but we are still well short of the target and need the support of local businesses.”

Local groups and organisations will again be supporting the event with food, refreshments and children’s activities. After last year’s enthusiastic response to open air entertainment on the village green, support is mounting for another summer of open air events for Pohutakawa Coast residents.

ENDS

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