Summer events calendar heating up

Summer events calendar heating up

Dunedin (Thursday, 21 January 2016) – While school holidays are nearing an end, there is still plenty happening in Dunedin over the coming weeks to keep all ages entertained.

The Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring finishes this Sunday but not before many of the 600 vehicles in town for the event perform a thank you parade around Dunedin starting from John Wilson Drive at 7pm tomorrow.

Dunedin City Council Manager Events and Community Development Rebecca Williams says DCC has been proud to sponsor the festival, which has attracted some 1200 participants including 66 international entrants.

"The festival has been a huge success with around 12,000 people turning out to the Wings and Wheels Open Day at the Taieri Airfield last Sunday."

Another big crowd is expected in Mosgiel this Saturday for the annual Taieri A&P Show at the Taieri Showgrounds.

This Sunday sees the finalists in the annual Robbie Rocks competition, organised by Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, perform live in The Octagon from 2pm. Entrants choose one of well-known Scottish poet and songwriter Robbie Burns' songs and reinterpret it for a modern audience.

Also on Sunday is the Brighton Gala Day at the Brighton Domain from 10am – 5pm. This ever-popular event has something for the whole family with a variety of food and craft stalls, bands and children's entertainment on offer throughout the day.

The New Zealand Masters Games kicks off in Dunedin on 30 January and runs until 7 February. Over 5,000 people are expected to take part in what is New Zealand's largest multi-sport event.

Ms Williams says people can still get involved and enjoy the camaraderie and social activities the Games are renowned for, even if they aren't competing in any of the sporting events.

"If people enter as a supporter for $45 they receive a full Games pack which includes some great deals from local businesses, free and exclusive access to nine nights of top quality Games Village entertainment, free entry to the opening and closing ceremonies and free entry to all Games sports venues," she says.

"Alternatively, people can pay to come along to each individual night's entertainment which includes music, comedy, an 80's sports-themed party and more for as little as $5."

In February, there are a number of events happening to celebrate Waitangi Day. This includes a free community concert in The Octagon on February 6, historical walking tours organised by Toitū Otago Settlers Museum on February 6 and 8, Waitangi Day flag design at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery on February 6, a whanau community event and touch tournament at Araiteuru Marae & Bishops Court on February 8 and more.

Also in February, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated with cultural performances, food stalls and fireworks at the Dunedin Chinese Garden from 7-10pm. On February 20, the Dunedin Chinese Garden will hold a Lantern Festival which traditionally concludes the Chinese New Year period.

On February 13, from 10am-4pm, people can enjoy the festive atmosphere at Dunedin's annual 'Thieves' Alley' Market Day while hounding and shopping for goodies.

The Summer Sounds concert series resumes at the Dunedin Botanic Garden with three concerts in each month of February, March and April.

Visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/events for more information on all of these, plus many more, local events.

ENDS

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