Aotea Square leads the world on New Year’s Eve

AUCKLAND, December 13, 2004—Central Auckland will come alive with a top lineup of bands, children’s entertainment, food stalls and a midnight procession at First Night® – the annual New Year’s Eve free family festival held at Aotea Centre and Aotea Square, THE EDGE®.

First seen in Auckland in 2000, this is the fifth year that THE EDGE® has successfully brought First Night® to the Auckland community, with the generous support of Auckland City Council. With an alcohol-free, family-friendly environment, First Night® provides Aucklanders with a free, safe alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations.

With a theme of ‘celebrating the soul of Auckland in the heart of the city’, this years’ event promises to be spectacular. There will be a 10 metre high Bamboo Light Tree and Birds of Peace flying over the foyers in Aotea Centre. Audiences will also be treated to performances from some of New Zealand’s best live acts including Deceptikonz (feat. Alphrisk, Savage and Mareko), Goodshirt, Adeaze, dDub, Autozamm, Stylus77, Tadpole and many more. Cultural and children’s programmes add to the flavor with First Night providing an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved and to actively participate in the 7-hour festival.

As well as the outdoor entertainment in Aotea Square, there will also be an incredible mix of music, dance performances, and activities for children including flag making, designing Twirly Whirlys and streamers all within Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®.

From New Zealand’s finest acoustic artists to Pasifika arts and crafts, a Kids Zone, Indian folk dance and Chinese traditional song – Aotea Centre and Aotea Square, THE EDGE® will be a melting pot of culture on New Year’s Eve.

"First Night 2005 will contain all of the elements that Aucklanders have come to expect in a free family festival event – a mix of the traditional and contemporary – there will be something for everyone”, says Sally Markham, Community Arts Development Manager, THE EDGE®.

Gates open at 5.15pm, and the event runs from 6.00pm to 1.00am. Programmes are available from central city cafes, libraries and a selection of retail outlets as well as being available on the night at Aotea Square, THE EDGE®.

There is something for the whole family at First Night® and with an estimated 30,000 people attending last year, First Night® 2005 is set to be another vibrant celebration in the heart of the city.

First Night® 2005 is a drug and alcohol-free event and ensures everyone a safe and fun-filled environment in which to welcome in the New Year.

ENDS

© Scoop Media