Arena Opening -- Bid on Billy Connelly's Trike

BID ON BILLY'S TRIKE

The famous Billy Connolly trike is to be auctioned for charity during the opening dinner of the Vector Arena in Auckland on Thursday night, April 19th.

In March 2004 Billy Connolly completed a 2-month, 25 date sell out tour of New Zealand.

He travelled 8,500 km across the country, from Stewart Island in the South to ninety mile beach in the North. As he did on his 1996 tour of Australia, Connolly travelled on a custom-made Harley Davidson trike.

The trike is a 1750 cc Yamaha-powered Road Warrior made to order by Cunningham Gill of Wales, and has been used only by Billy Connolly on his NZ tour.

An eight episode TV series, “The Billy Connolly World Tour Of New Zealand”, was the result of this record-breaking tour. Connolly gives insights into the history and culture of the country, especially its Maori heritage, while also presenting highlights from his NZ concerts. The leather jacket he often wore sports a skull with glasses, the logo of the tour.

The trike became as big a star as its rider and was the subject of much interest on the road. During the West Coast section of the tour, a group of middle-aged bikies stopped Billy - just to talk trikes!

In Christchurch two policemen pulled him up in Colombo street – Connolly not wearing a helmet at the time, was pleased to find the cops only wanted to chat about the trike.

The auction will be part of a full evening's entertainment to welcome the arrival of New Zealand's newest asset. Pop star Daniel Bedingfield will be the headline act.

Master of ceremonies, New Zealand Idol judge and showbiz veteran Frankie Stevens will be joined on stage by Goldenhorse, Che Fu, Ray Columbus, Dinah Lee, Don McGlashan, Sir Howard Morrison, Hollie Smith, Frankie Stevens, Aaradhna and Yulia.

"It will be the biggest party in New Zealand for just $30," says Vector Arena Chief Executive Bruce Mactaggart (subs: crct).

"Never before has this level of entertainment been offered in New Zealand under the one roof at such an affordable price. We want everyone to come and party with us, to come and enjoy our wonderful new facility."

Tickets to Vector Arena's Official Opening party are on sale with Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.nz. Tickets for reserved seating areas are just $30.

A limited number of corporate tables are also being sold to this history-making celebration. Corporates will attend a black tie function, partake in dinner by award-winning chef Warwick Brown (Mikano, Cin Cin), enjoy beverages, receive a souvenir booklet and have their "mind blown" by a 90-minute gala. For more details, contact Jessica Milne 09 3581250 or email jmilne@vectorarena.co.nz.

The dazzling gala, involving more than 280 entertainers and featuring some big-name international and local acts together with the Vector Wellington Orchestra, is being created by Stan Wolfgramm -- artistic director/producer best known for his work on Westfield Style Pasifika. The event’s Executive Producer is Barry Newman, Australasia's foremost events producer who has masterminded some of Australia's biggest events and worked with some of the world's hottest acts. The pair will lead a talented team of New Zealand producers to deliver a world-class event.

Money raised during the night will benefit the Salvation Army

ENDS

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