27 October 2004

Major events and entertainment planned for Parnell Festival of Roses

Auckland’s much loved Parnell Festival of Roses will be bigger than ever in November when it features the largest floral display ever seen in New Zealand and two new open air musical performances.

At the same time, the Auckland Rose Society will host the World Federation of Rose Societies’ Regional Convention in Parnell – a once in a century opportunity.

The festival takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, 20 - 21 November around three iconic Parnell venues – Sir Dove-Myer Robinson Park (Parnell Rose Gardens), Parnell Mainstreet and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Traditionally the festival draws 15,000 people over the two days. However, larger crowds are expected this year with the bigger events programme.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral will play host to the National Rose Show and Floral Exhibition with the biggest floral display New Zealand has ever seen. The newly released rose breed called 'Sky Tower' and the ‘mountain’ created from the ‘Paul Holmes rose’ are sights not to be missed.

The Pohuntaukawa green will be a popular picnic spot on Sunday to take in musical theatre, chamber music and opera performances.

Sunday 21 November, 12.30pm Auckland Theatre Company perform songs from the ASB Bank Season of A Christmas Carol, the Dickens classic adapted by New Zealand playwright and satirist Dave Armstrong (TV’s Spin Doctors). The performance features an all-star cast including Mark Hadlow (from TV’s Willy Nilly), as the irascible money grubbing old humbug Ebenezer Scrooge.

Sunday 21 November, 4pm musical entertainment by string quartet ‘Aaah! Listen to That Chamber Music!’ and a selection of opera from The Opera Factory.

This year’s festival will also include a private ceremony to present retired gardener Ivan Crowther with a new rose named after him. Professional growers Bell Roses named the rose in recognition of his 33 years of dedication to the Parnell Rose Gardens.

A free double decker bus will run around the festival venues from the Parnell Rose Gardens. Some parking will be available behind the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Parnell Festival of Roses is just one of more than 60 free summer events provided by Auckland City Council and is run in partnership with Parnell Mainstreet Incorporated and supported by i98FM and Quest Parnell.

ENDS

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