The success of Music in Parks and the Auckland International Cultural Festival have ensured the continued support of Auckland City. From December to April this year, more than 53,000 Aucklanders enjoyed a diverse range of entertainment which included jazz, blues, rock and contemporary music.

There was a 33 percent increase in attendances (an extra 13,170 people) at the 68 Music in Parks events, which were held at the Domain, Queen Elizabeth Square, Myers Park and Tahaki Reserve, Mt Eden.

However, events were not just confined to the central city, with some of the 70 scheduled concerts also taking place on Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands, at Point England, Mission Bay, Blockhouse Bay and Judges Bay.

Victoria Carter, Chairperson of the City Attractions Committee, says: “Music in Parks is one way that a big city like Auckland becomes a friendly, warm and fun place. These concerts are like small scale Domain concerts where Auckland’s boundaries become smaller.”

Auckland City spent $98,000 on the Music in Parks season over the summer, down $10,000 from the previous year. The shortfall was made up by a $10,000 sponsorship deal. The Auckland City Attractions Committee has earmarked $88,000 for the 2000/01 season.

Victoria Carter says Music in Parks provides many benefits. These include encouraging the use of parks and reserves, supporting the arts, giving young people a focus and making them feel part of the city.

Public feedback to the concert season has been extremely positive with 99 percent of participants saying they will attend concerts next year.

The second Auckland International Cultural Festival, held earlier this year, was equally successful.

Run by Auckland City in conjunction with the Refugee and Migrant Services, the Festival features food and craft stalls, and a diverse mix of cultural and contemporary performances. This year it was attended by more than 25,000 people and supported by $12,000 worth of funding from Auckland City.

Celebrating the ethnic diversity of Auckland, the Festival increases awareness of the many cultures which make up the city, and offers an opportunity for the community to participate in events, promoting strong and healthy communities which are key messages of Auckland City’s Strategic Plan.

The City Attractions Committee will fund the event again next year although increased income will be sought to enable more site decoration to enhance the atmosphere.

ENDS

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