A Million Watts of Fun at Hastings Fiesta of Lights
• The Fiesta of Lights opened last Saturday and offers a warm and welcoming place for people of all ages to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights and amazing light displays along tree lined pathways for 22 nights during the Christmas holiday period.
• 50,000 lights have been added this year to keep the display looking fresh for return visitors and an exciting experience for new audiences.
• Old favourites are there among the forty displays including the running man, labyrinth, time tunnel and swinging kiwis.
• New additions include a school of giant 2m jellyfish, fireflies among the trees and a hula hoop zone.
• Scary Hollow another new feature will open on Christmas week due to freight delays for some special props from United States.
• This family event takes place in the beautiful 120 year old Waikoko Gardens at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, Hastings
• The event is supported by over 100 volunteers of all ages
• On New Year’s Eve Fiesta of Lights hosts an alcohol free, family costume party with arts, ritual, entertainment and an early bird fireworks display for kiddies at 9.45pm. Entertainment includes Pulse party band, street performers, free kiddies slides and rides and a good old singalong. Popular local singer Ali Beal will don her fairy queen persona to MC this family dress up party. Gates open at 8.30pm and the event closes at 11pm.
• Entry to Fiesta of Lights is $5. Under 3 free. New Year’s Eve is $5. Under 3 free. Money raised is used for purchasing new light displays and paying showgrounds rental.
• Gates open at 9.00pm nightly and 8.30pm on New Year’s eve. Best viewing of the lights is from 9.15pm when it’s dark. No alcohol, glass or pets in the grounds. Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes.
• Fiesta of Lights is organised by the Public Dreams Trust, a charitable non-profit organisation that builds community pride through the arts.
• Funders include Hastings District Council, NZ Lotteries, Eastern & Central Trust, Hastings Creative Communities, Lion Foundation, Infinity Foundation, First Light Foundation, Unison the Power People and Hits 89.5.
What: Fiesta of Lights www.fiestaoflights.co.nz
Where: Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, Gate B, Karamu Road (SH2), Hastings
When: 12 December to 2 January
ENDS