Release: Immediate
Date: January 11, 2010

Bay Carnival extended for aquatic centre fund-raiser

Wind and rain may have dampened Sunday’s official closing of the Caroline Bay Carnival but concert lovers will not miss out – some of the best musical talent in South Canterbury will take to the Soundshell this weekend for the scheduled two-day extension of the successful carnival.

But they won’t be singing just for the pleasure of entertaining the crowds of local people and holidaymakers in the region, they will be performing as a fund-raiser for a major new Timaru attraction, the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre.

The Bay concerts will be a formal public fund-raising opportunity for the aquatic centre and a line-up of Timaru artists and bands will offer the public free entertainment – and the opportunity to leave a donation for Timaru’s new pool complex.

Caroline Bay Association president and Timaru District Councillor Warren Barker is delighted to see the carnival extended for the cause.

“We’ve called the concerts South Canterbury’s Got Talent because that’s precisely what we have and this event will showcase them for a good cause,” Mr Barker said.

“The bands would entertain in their own right and also provide backing for a variety of local entertainers.”

The association would also be donating all proceeds from its games and rides over the weekend to the aquatic centre, he said.

“It will be an opportunity for those who were disappointed with last weekend’s bad weather, which meant some Soundshell activities had to be transferred inside the Caroline Bay Hall, to come down and again share in the outdoor fun.”

There would be two concerts each day over the two days, Mr Barker said.

“On Saturday popular Port FM Timaru’s corporate function and rock and roll band The Groove will present a range of covers as well as backing local singers.

“And then on Sunday The Coyotes will take to the stage. Both of these bands are well known locally and are polished musicians. Concert times will 1.30pm and 6.30pm and will be worth coming down to see.”

The Timaru District Council has expressed appreciation to the Caroline Bay Association and to the musicians involved for the carnival extension in support of the aquatic centre.

Chief executive Warwick Isaacs said the council appreciated the gesture.

“We are thrilled the association and the bands are doing this and we hope the public will also show its support.”

Buckets will be available around the Bay for donations towards the aquatic centre, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2012.

ENDS

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