Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

7 December 2004

Quartet of Mayors to sing at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

Mayors Sir Barry Curtis (Manukau), Dick Hubbard (Auckland), Bob Harvey (Waitakere) and George Wood (North Shore) have conspired to perform “Deck the Halls” at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park this Saturday night.

Artistic Director Kate Ward-Smythe says that we owe thanks to Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey for drumming up support from his three counterparts. She has been busy ever since trying to co-ordinate rehearsals, yet because of their busy schedules, the four will not sing together until the day before the event.

“We are fortunate there is a Mayoral forum in town on Friday,” she says. “They will rehearse together for 15 minutes in the Auckland Town Hall, then attend our dress rehearsals in the Auckland Domain on Friday evening and Saturday,” she says.

Whether the Mayors can sing or not is another story, about which Kate has no qualms. “We haven’t heard them sing, but Deck the Halls is a song that suits all types of voices, even tone deaf people can shout their lines with gusto. It will be great. I have full faith in them,” she enthuses.

Coca-Cola spokesperson Annette Chillingworth says the Mayors are going to top off what is a fantastic line up of talent at this year’s event. “Coca-Cola has supported New Zealand music for many years. The talent at this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park ranges from school aged youth through to veterans of the music industry. The line up is a great reflection of how far we have come.”

Proceeds from Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 will benefit Youthline and funds raised will help extend the youth Help Line service - a free phone service providing the first point of contact for thousands of young people seeking help - to a 24-hour 7-days a week service.

Goldenhorse will also be joining the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park gang. Goldenhorse are one of New Zealand’s most popular and appealing bands: their song ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ was the most performed New Zealand song on radio for 2003, and sales of their debut album ‘Riverhead’ have gone Triple Platinum. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is hosted by Jeremy Corbett, Kelly Swanson-Roe and Petra Bagust.

ENDS

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