BNZ Backs Big Uke Out

Press Release for immediate release: October 5, 2009

BNZ Backs Big Uke Out

Following the success of last year’s second New Zealand Ukulele Festival organisers were left wondering how to further grow the festival in 2009.

With more than 70 schools and 1300 children already signed on, the third annual festival this November was shaping up to be New Zealand’s biggest ukulele celebration yet. The Ukulele Festival Trust felt it would be impossible to successfully run the free event without secured funding.

BNZ has stepped in and announced it will be the principal sponsor for this year’s festival, which will be known as the BNZ Ukulele Festival 2009. The festival will be staged at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday 21 November.

“We are delighted that BNZ have got behind this very special day,” says Ukulele Festival Trust spokesperson Maria Winder. “The BNZ sponsorship has given the festival a lifeline, and many hundreds of children, families and community groups will benefit. The festival is a free day of entertainment and music making and we expect record crowds this year with the increased number of schools involved and the groundswell of ukulele playing in the wider community.”

Margaret Reid, Sponsorship Manager at BNZ said: “This is going to be a fun, free, family day out in the community and we’re encouraging all Aucklanders to get involved. The ukulele is a low cost and easy to play instrument and for many of the children who will be attending the festival it is a chance for them to excel outside the classroom. We are excited about being involved in this great community event.”

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra to headline exciting two-stage line up

Along with a 1300-strong children’s ukulele orchestra known as the Kiwileles, the festival will feature a great line up of local and international ukulele artists including Tongan virtuoso Sione Aleki and the ever-popular Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra. Details of the programme appear on the festival website: www.bnz.co.nz/ukefest

Something for everyone and it’s free!

With celebrated local and international performers, workshops, demonstrations, stalls and open mic opportunity for community groups and soloists to strut their strums, the BNZ Ukulele Festival 2009 is expected to be the biggest and best yet. The BNZ Ukulele Festival 2009 is a fun free family day out guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

BNZ Ukulele Festival 2009
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday 21 November,
10am – 4pm Rain or Shine

For more details about the line up / competitions visit: www.bnz.co.nz/ukefest

ENDS

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