Auckland City Council
Media release

23 October 2008

Celebrate summer with a weekend of free activities

Auckland City Council is kicking off summer at the Parnell Festival of Roses on Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 November.

Parnell will come alive for the annual festival – one of more than 60 free council events planned for this summer.

From noon to 6pm on both days, there will be a huge range of talented poets and musicians on the main stage and a variety of dance on the Pohutukawa stage at the Parnell Rose Gardens. Highlights include Sam Hunt, The Mamaku Project and Hammond Gamble.

Take the opportunity to browse through craft stalls and experience the magnificent roses in full bloom.

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, encourages everyone to come along to the weekend’s activities.

“With everything that’s going on, there will be plenty to see and do. Not to mention that many of the free activities are set in one of our city’s most spectacular parks overlooking the Waitemata Harbour,” says Mr Moyle.

An early Christmas bargain is sure to be found when Parnell Road holds its popular market day on Saturday (10am to 4pm), and pick up some fantastic fresh and seasonal produce at the Parnell Farmers’ Market (Saturday, 8am to noon).

A free bus will loop around festival venues every 30 minutes from 10am to 6pm over the weekend to make it easy for everyone to enjoy the festivities.

Other festival events include:

the Parnell Hill Sprint for cycling enthusiasts (Saturday, 6am to 9am)
a guided walk through Judges Bay led by historian Rendell McIntosh (Saturday, 3pm)
a “quote the rose” competition at Parnell Community Library (3 to 8 November).
Parnell Festival of Roses is proudly provided by Auckland City Council in partnership with Parnell Mainstreet Inc, and is supported by NZCT, The Lion Foundation and Easy Mix 98.2FM.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events for more information.

Ends

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