NEWS RELEASE
18 December 2008
 
Hot town, Summer in the City
 
The much-anticipated NZCT Summer City line-up has finally been released, with many treats in store for Wellingtonians over the coming months. As well as free music at the Botanic Garden, break-dancing with Bodyrock, New Year’s celebrations at Civic Square, the Pasifika festival and a circus on the wharf with The Navigators, there's much more.
 
Keep an eye out for the NZCT Summer City brochure – soon to be dotted around the city in cafés, bars, retail outlets, Council libraries, pools and recreation centres.
 
Wellington City Council’s Economic Development and Recreation Portfolio Leader Councillor John Morrison says this is one of his favourite festivals of the year.
 
“What I like most about the Summer City festival is that there is something to cater for everyone’s taste, and most of the events are free,” says Cr Morrison.
 
“We have the usual favourites, such as the Gardens Magic gigs at the Botanic Garden – one of the reasons many people choose to spend January in the Capital.
 
“Children will be captivated by Fairy Trina’s Tales of Tanglewood – not to mention the annual Teddy Bears’ picnic. And older children, such as myself, will have great fun either taking part in or watching the Birdman competition over Anniversary Weekend. I’m sure Leonardo would be very proud of the activities happening throughout the city in da Vinci’s name,” he says.
 
The Starry Nights series returns to Frank Kitts in early February for four fabulous gigs by Fur Patrol, King Kapisi, the NZSO and Tommy Love, who will put on a spectacular show on Valentine’s Day.
 
But it’s not all about gigs. Movies return to the Botanic Garden’s Dell thanks to Cuba St Carnival. They will screen three films about music – one on The Clash’s Joe Strummer, one on Motown and another set in a Cuban dance club. Then they’ll take the big screen to Cuba Street on the eve of the Carnival for a screening of the classic Some Like it Hot.
 
As well as Cuba St Carnival’s 10th Anniversary extravaganza, Wellington’s other favourite fair days and festivals will make a return – it’s the Year of the Ox for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, and Out in the Square: Wellington’s 24th gay and lesbian fair and Newtown Festival will not disappoint in February and March respectively.
 
Culture Kicks – Wellington’s own mini world cup – is fast becoming one of the most popular multi-cultural events as at least 30 teams representing as many countries battle it out in the beautiful game at the end of March.
 
“There will be lots of other sport-orientated events taking place over the coming months,” says Cr Morrison.
 
“There’s beach volleyball in January, the ever-growing Ocean Swim race later that month and the Offshore Powerboat series in March.
 
“And let’s not forget there’s an element of sport involved over Sevens weekend as groups of decked out revellers transform the city into a giant party-zone. This is taking place over Waitangi weekend, so between the Waitangi Day celebrations, One Love and the Sevens, people will literally be spoiled for choice. I urge all Wellingtonians to get out there and enjoy the summer!”
 
NZCT Summer City brochures are available from lots of places around town. Pick one up from City Council libraries, pools, recreation centres, stands around the city or cafés. Phone 499 4444 for one to be posted out to you, or check out details from the Council website, www.Wellington.govt.nz
 

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