Summer in Nelson

Sealord Summer Festival - 15 December - 16 February
Summer in Nelson, and the Sealord Summer Festival cranks up the heat with a wonderful array of family entertainment.

* Starting on Saturday 15 December with the Lantern Spectacular, a magical lantern-lit walk to the Centre of New Zealand, then there's Carols by Candlelight at the Church Steps on Christmas Eve.

* On New Year's Eve there's the groovy all ages party Cusp (major bands still to be announced).

* January offers old favourites like the Teddy Bears Picnic - a must for fives to 85's at Isel Park on 13 Jan.

* Outdoor Summer Movies will screen in parks from the city to Takaka from January 3-28 - bring a picnic and sit back under the stars for some movie classics.

* Kaimira Ventures Buskers Festival brings top international acts to Nelson streets from 31 Jan - 3 Feb plus saucy cabaret ŒWhen Buskers Go Bad' at the Boathouse.

* Creativity meets high speed in the Fresh Choice Nelson Trolley Derby on March 8 in Collingwood Street Nelson with the big battle for King of the Hill. Full programmes out late November. More info at www.nelsonfestivals.co.nz

Sealord Opera in the Park with Dame Kiri and Friends
One of the world's best loved and respected sopranos, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, sings at Nelson's Sealord Opera in the Park on 16 February, 2008. The star-studded line up includes Jonathan Lemalu - a bass baritone with a commanding presence on stage Simon O'Neill - a talented tenor with engagements from

La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera Helen Medlyn - offering some exciting ensemble numbers at this event. Tickets go on sale very soon and will be priced to make the show accessible to all comers, with a special 'gold patrons' area with seating for opera lovers, corporates and individuals whose support will keep the general tickets affordable. Put yourself on our database and you'll be the first to hear when tickets are on sale. Email to or post your contact details to Festivals Office, Nelson City Council, PO Box 645 Nelson. More info at www.kiriinnelson.co.nz

Antique and Classic Boat Show
The eighth Seresin Estate Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes Nation Park is set for the weekend of March 1 & 2 March. The Antique and Classic Boat Show will feature public displays, racing, and an evening barbeque, prize giving and get together. On Sunday there will be further public displays and racing, finishing at 3.00pm. The usual range of clinkers, canoes, classic sail boats, seagulls, steam launches and vintage race boats is expected. The overall winner of the Antique and Classic Boat Show will take home the Jens Hansen Cup and a voucher for $1000 to be redeemed at the Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith Workshop. More info: www.nzclassicboats.com

Finally
Right now we are heading into our Nelson Arts Festival - record ticket sales, more info at www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz

ENDS