Kawakawa Bay Welcomes Back Christmas in the Park

Kawakawa Bay Welcomes Back Christmas in the Park

Kawakawa Bay residents took advantage of a break in the weather to enjoy their very own Christmas in the Park celebration in December. With inclement weather preceding the event, organisers were anxious that the return to an outdoor event would be washed out, but the weather cleared and an estimated crowd of 300 people from around the Pohutakawa Coast turned up to enjoy the pre-Christmas ambience. Organised to combine Christmas tidings with a celebration of local talent, the event ticked all the boxes for locals, showcasing local talent and providing a family orientated evening for all.

The Kawakawa Bay Ukulele Group joined local band Famous Fish on stage alongside Matt John and Daveena Wilson singing modern and traditional numbers before soloist soprano Gina Sanders won the hearts of the crowd with a hilarious interactive version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Organiser Judi Cranston paid tribute to the local community for their talent and support. “We have everything here from international sopranos to young Emma Nash (9) bravely reciting a poem. That is what this event is about, enjoying everybody no matter how recognised you are and celebrating the great community spirit that is Kawakawa Bay. We are so happy to have Gina and Matt and Daveena on board but such awesome talent will not prevent more locals coming on stage next year.“ For many performers, Christmas in the Park was their first time on a big stage in front of a sizeable crowd and they enjoyed the experience.

Local MP Andrew Bayley joined the relaxed crowd, expressing his delight at the calibre of the event. Local groups and organisations supported the event with food, refreshments and children’s activities, raising funds to support First Response and the local Fire Brigade.

Initially stepping up to help the Kawakawa Bay Presbyterian Church who previously ran the evening, Judi Cranston heads up a small team determined to ensure the event becomes a regular fixture for the local community with plans underway already for next year’s event, scheduled for a Saturday night in early December. With such enthusiastic response to open air entertainment on the village green, support is mounting for further summer open air events for Kawakawa Bay residents.

ENDS

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