9 February 2006

Bluebridge Hula Laguna party to transform Lagoon

This Sunday will see the Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront transformed into an exotic island paradise for a new free music event – Bluebridge Hula Laguna and the Late Night Luau – running from 11am until 11pm.

“There will be a fun, relaxed summer vibe with fantastic music, food and market stalls, a children’s fairground, outdoor film screening – plus flutter board and best costumes competitions,” says Wellington City Council Events Co-ordinator Jessica Garland.

The stage will be grooving all day with a top line-up including the Rashkalnikovs with their Eastern European gypsy flavour, the notoriously fun local band Silly Sausage and DJs Top Knot and Recloose. Headline act Fat Freddy’s Drop will take to the stage at around 8pm.

The Pacific paradise theme will see Tokelauan drummers and conch blowers welcome the musicians as they are rowed to the stage. Another highlight will be the New Zealand Synchronised Swimmers who will perform several times at the event. “The New Zealand Synchronised Swimmers have choreographed a hula-themed work especially. We’re very lucky to see them before they compete in the Oceania Games,” says Ms Garland.

The public will also be invited to perform their own synchronised swimming moves with prizes for the best competitors.

People can head to the Hula Bar (inside the Boatshed) for an exotic cocktail while enjoying the music. A liquor ban will apply and people are asked not to bring alcohol to the waterfront.

The day’s fun and frivolity will wind up with an outdoor screening of cult movie Creature from the Black Lagoon from 10pm.

“The Council wanted a summer event with a difference so we commissioned Chris Morley-Hall of Whopper Chopper and Cuba Street Carnival fame and this is what he came up with,” says Ms Garland. “We know people are going to love the combination of great music, a carnival atmosphere and quirky fun.”

The event is part of the City Council’s summer festival – Meridian Energy Summer City – which runs until 18 February. The festival programme is available from Council service centres, libraries, supermarkets, cafes or by calling 499 4444 or at www.Wellington.govt.nz.

ENDS

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