AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

30 October 2006

Parnell Festival of Roses in full bloom

Auckland’s much-loved Parnell Festival of Roses promises a first taste of summer with its floral feast of free entertainment and displays.

The festival will be held on Saturday, 11 November and Sunday, 12 November from noon to 6pm. Events will be held at a number of Parnell venues including Sir Dove-Myer Robinson Park (Parnell Rose Gardens), Parnell Road and Selwyn Library.

A special feature this year will be the Parnell Road Market Day on Saturday, 11 November from 10am to 4pm. With Christmas fast approaching, this will be a wonderful day to stroll along Parnell Road and shop for gifts.

The Parnell Rose Gardens will be buzzing over the weekend with New Zealand craft stalls, music, dance performances, strolling performers and an appearance by kids' favourite, Fairy Claire.

Visitors to the Bell Roses display will have the opportunity to purchase the “Parnell Heritage”, Parnell’s very own rose that celebrates the suburb’s rich history. The rose was named last year as part of the “Nameless Rose” competition held by Auckland City.

On Saturday afternoon, Auckland Theatre Company will perform numbers from Sweet Charity, a sassy and streetwise salute to 60s New York featuring the hit musical numbers “Hey, Big Spender”, “The Rich Man’s Frug” and the funky “Rhythm of Life.”

On Sunday, people can bring a picnic down to the Pohutukawa green from 4pm to enjoy some soulful jazz from the Grand Central Band who will be playing a mix of old and new music, with a leaning towards funk and jazz.

Leisurely heritage walks will be held around Judges Bay on Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 3pm. Led by local historian Rendell McIntosh, the walk will last approximately one hour and leaves from the carpark at the end of Judges Bay Road.

Parnell Trust will celebrate the annual Parnell Festival of Roses during the week leading up to the festival. On the first floor of the Jubilee Building (545 Parnell Road) there will be a rose-themed display including:

- rose-inspired art works created by Parnell Community Centre’s four after school programmes and Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre

- an eclectic collection of rose teacups collected from around the community.

Visit the Parnell Library on Saturday, 11 November between 10am and 4pm and use your skill in the rose identification competition or watch the demonstration of rose-inspired flower arranging between 11am and 11.30am.

Other events happening in Parnell over the weekend of the festival include:

- A two day Exhibition of Roses hosted by the Auckland Rose Society Inc at Selwyn Library (12 St Stephens Avenue, free entry).

- Parnell Trust Newmarket or Domain heritage walks on Sunday morning. Bookings essential. Phone 379 2095 x9704 for details.

- La Cigale French-style market at 69 St Georges Bay Road, every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

Visitors can take advantage of the free bus that will loop around the festival venues every 20 minutes from 10am to 6pm both days.

Parnell Festival of Roses is just one of more than 60 free Ak@Play summer events provided by Auckland City and is run in partnership with Parnell Mainstreet Inc, and supported by Viva 98.2FM.

For more information about the Parnell Festival of Roses, please visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/roses

ENDS

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