NEWS RELEASE
30 January 2008

Stunning Starry Nights, circus, Sin Nian and Sevens

Wellington, get set for a stunning summer weekend. Thanks to the Meridian Energy Summer City festival, there are some amazing events around town.

Thursday sees the start of the Starry Nights concert series, at Frank Kitts Park. First up is Elvis Viva Las Vegas Live — 30th Anniversary Concert, with entertainer Grant Sullivan providing two hours of the King’s greatest hits, including Blue Suede Shoes, Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas. This spectacular show includes an 11-piece band with a live horn section and three backing vocalists.

Then on Saturday night, Rude Mood brings their world-class Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute show to the waterfront. Antony Maddock is Stevie Ray in a show that is a must-see for all fans of the blues and rock music.

The Starry Nights series is new to Meridian Energy Summer City this year. Concerts start at 8pm.

Wellington City Council Economic Development and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says that Meridian Energy Summer City plays an important role in maintaining Wellington’s status as the events capital of New Zealand. “There’s just so much on over summer. I’m sure that people with a bit more energy than I have will be out and about at these events on almost a daily basis.”

Also part of Meridian Energy Summer City is the Perilous Circus Explosion, on Sunday from noon to 5pm in Civic Square, a celebration of circus and showmanship featuring spectacular outdoor performances and music on the big rig. Free workshops in unicycling, juggling, stilts and flying trapeze are offered so young and old can live out their dreams of running away to join the circus.

Chinese New Year festivities also begin this weekend, with the Sin Nian celebrations taking place at Capital E in Civic Square on Saturday from noon to 3pm. Children can help decorate giant Year of the Rat models or take part in competitions, and the whole family can enjoy entertainment and activities.

Meridian Energy Chief Executive, Dr Keith Turner, says that Meridian Energy Summer City features an amazing array of entertainment. “We’re really proud to support the festival. It offers so much energy and diversity — like the fun of Sin Nian and the circus and all the action from the Sevens in the same weekend. Wellingtonians will be spoilt for choice.”

The NZI International Rugby Sevens will be hard to miss this weekend. The teams take to the streets on Thursday at 12.45pm in the annual parade through the CBD, finishing with a reception in Civic Square. The tournament takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Revellers will be able to dance their way down Courtenay Place, between Tory Street and Cambridge Terrace, on Saturday night between 6pm and 5am thanks to the road being closed to traffic. A party atmosphere, with a big screen and entertainment, is guaranteed.

ENDS

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