Summer City set to shine on the Capital

New Year’s Eve kicks-off a jam packed Summer City festival, proudly presented by Wellington City Council in its 39th year – and with over 90 free events happening over three months in the Capital, there’s something for everyone.

There’ll be a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Whairepo lagoon (Frank Kitts Park lagoon), so bring together friends and whānau, grab a seat and get ready to bring in the New Year with great music, food trucks and fireworks.

Wellington’s favourite free concert series Gardens Magic starts on Tuesday 9 January. Once again some of Aotearoa’s best and brightest talent will be showcased on the Botanic Garden Soundshell stage.

Set in beautiful surrounds with a magical light display by the amazing creative team of MJF Lighting, it’s eighteen nights perfectly designed to bring along a picnic, friends and family, and enjoy this highlight on the summer calendar.

Acts range from the Tarantino-inspired sounds of Vincent Vega & The Hateful Eight, up-and-coming indie rockers Retrospect, Country-Celtic legends Hobnail, Māori jazz reggae from RANEA, and Pollyfilla closes the series in DRAGstravagant style with WIGSTOCK.

The sights, sounds and flavours of the Pacific come together at Odlins Plaza on Saturday 20 January at the annual Wellington Pasifika Festival. Attracting over 15,000 people, this event celebrates our neighbours with a day of traditional and contemporary music, performances, delicious food, and family friendly activities.

Kids Magic in the Dell: Dance, Dance, Dance! is all about the kids – and dancing! On Saturday 27 January, enjoy a dance performance showcase, get top tips from Pump and Tarrant Dance Studios, there’ll be face painting, a magical arts trail, and a chance to build a bivouc. All you need to bring is a (sort of) sense of rhythm and fun, and perhaps a tutu or two!

We’ll be celebrating our national day, Te Rā o Waitangi with a programme of music, kapa haka and kai on Wellington’s Waterfront on Tuesday 6 February. Acts include the ever popular Salmonella Dub Soundsystem, award winning singer/songwriter Kirsten Te Rito, and Alien Weaponry – a death metal band!

Visit wcc.govt.nz/events for more information on these events, and many more. For updates or postponements keep an eye on Wellington City Council’s Facebook page.

© Scoop Media