We’ve always known it but now it’s official – NPDC’s TSB Festival of Lights has been crowned New Zealand’s Favourite Event.

The free annual event took home the award and the title of Best Local Government Event at last night’s New Zealand Event Association (NZEA) Awards. It was one of 40 events nominated in 17 categories.

Decided by public vote, the festival also took out the title of New Zealand’s Favourite Event, recognition that the community festival remains an important asset for our district, explains NPDC’s Venues and Events Lead Helena Williams.

“This award is proof that we have a world-class event in our own backyard. The TSB Festival of Lights is much-loved by local residents but also attracts visitors from throughout the world, so it is a major boost for our economy.”

“Our team put in the hours year-round to deliver world class events and have worked hard for this recognition.”

NPDC also took home the title of Best Event Use of Technology for Oxfam Trailwalker 2021, for a custom GIS mapping solution created for Oxfam Aotearoa.

Both events have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions but are ready for a strong comeback.

In June, the TSB Festival of Lights held its first Winter Pop-Up event in New Plymouth’s city centre which saw more than of 15,000 visitors braving the cold over the four-day event.

The summer festival attracts up to 150,000 people to New Plymouths Pukekura Park, and features lighting installations, live entertainment, food and family activities, while the charity endurance event attracts 320 teams and their support crew from across the country.

Fast Facts

• Up to 150,000 people visit the TSB Festival of Lights in New Plymouths Pukekura Park each summer
• At the last festival, 41% of festival attendees were from outside of the New Plymouth District.
• The lights are on for 44 evenings
• 7,000 people attend the Festival’s free New Year’s Eve event
• Next year will be the third year New Plymouth has been host city of Oxfam Trailwalker, with this year’s event going virtual in response to Covid-19 restrictions.

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