MEDIA RELEASE

2nd OCTOBER 2008

New dates, new location and new look for Auckland Seafood Festival

The Auckland Seafood Festival is on the move. Held for the past 2 years over the last weekend in September in the area around the Auckland Fish Market, the all new event will take place at the Halsey Street Wharf Extension over Auckland Anniversary Weekend (24, 25 and 26 January 2009).

The Festival will be bigger and better in every way and will run over three days instead of two with plenty of entertainment, education and culture to complement the array of delicious seafood at this celebration of the fruits of the sea. Eric Barratt, CEO of event owners Sanford says “The Seafood Festival in a new location on the wharf surrounded by water in the middle of summer will be an exciting event not to be missed.”

The hours of the Festival will also change. In January 2009 the event starts and ends later. Hours will be 12.00 noon till 7.00pm. The shift in date was designed to ensure the best weather for this popular outdoor event and to complement the range of other summer activities on offer over Auckland’s Anniversary Weekend.

"Auckland City Council is thrilled to be able to provide Aucklanders with an exciting array of Anniversary Weekend celebrations in January 2009” says Councillor Greg Moyle, Chair - Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.  “The Auckland Seafood Festival, which the Council is sponsoring in partnership with Heart of the City, will be a core part of this fun and colourful weekend, offering a uniquely Auckland experience and one that reflects our maritime heritage and celebrates our city's anniversary." 

The Auckland Seafood Festival will continue to be carbon neutral and the popular Blessing of the Fleet ceremony and the Greasy Pole contest will return. A new competition stage will be introduced featuring fun events such as fish filleting and oyster shucking competitions.

www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz

MEDIA RELEASE

2ND October 2008

Auckland Seafood Festival tickets on sale now

In a bid to offer an even greater opportunity for festival goers, admission to the 2009 Auckland Seafood Festival will cost just $10 if purchased in advance. Gate sales at the Auckland Anniversary Weekend event will be only $15. Last year ticket prices were $20 for pre-purchase and $25 on the gate.

Tickets are on sale now through ticketmaster and would make an ideal Christmas gift. With the new Anniversary Weekend dates organisers recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment in case the event is a sell-out.

Eric Barratt, CEO of Sanford, who own the Auckland Seafood Festival says “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a reasonable ticket price. The price is coming down but the event itself is going to be bigger and better. With increased sponsorship from Auckland City Council and Heart of the City we’re able to make this great charity event even more attractive to visitors for the bargain price of just $10.”  

The Auckland Seafood Festival will complement the range of other summer activities on offer on 24, 25 and 26 January 2009. With more educational and cultural elements, a more atmospheric location surrounded by water on the Halsey Street Wharf Extension and the usual array of delicious seafood and top class entertainment, the Festival offers the perfect choice for the Anniversary Weekend for Aucklanders and visitors alike.

For the $10 ticket price visitors can soak up the atmosphere including the Blessing of the Fleet which celebrates those who bring in the catches of fresh seafood and commemorate those lost at sea. It also includes the entertaining Greasy Pole contest. Popular bands will provide musical entertainment and all profits will go to an important New Zealand charity.

What:          Auckland Seafood Festival

Where:        Halsey Street Wharf Extension, Western Viaduct, in the Heart of Auckland, the BIG Little City

When:            Auckland Anniversary Weekend - Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th January, 2009

Time:           12noon – 7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Blessing of the Fleet 2pm Saturday followed by the Greasy Pole Contest

Info:               www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz

How much: $10 pre-purchased through ticketmaster or $15 on the gate.

www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz

MEDIA RELEASE

2ND October 2008

Auckland Seafood Festival helps fight the ‘P’ scourge

Proceeds from the 2009 Auckland Seafood Festival will go towards the fight against methamphetamine, otherwise known as ‘P’.

The Rotary Club of Auckland East Inc will use money raised from the Auckland Seafood Festival to fight the ‘P’ scourge that is wrecking the lives of users and their families and damaging the workplace. 

Most of the surplus from the event on 24,25 and 26 January 2009 will go to a new trust, being established by the Rotary Club of Auckland East Inc. The trust will fund education in secondary schools and work places and inform youth and families of the dangers of the use of methamphetamine.

Rae Ah Chee, President of The Rotary Club of Auckland East Inc explains. “As a joint promoter of the Auckland Seafood Festival, the Club is excited to continue its involvement with the event. A significant portion of the profits from the Festival will assist Rotary with funding the education of youth and parents on the perils and danger of Methamphetamine, more commonly known as ‘P’. Our aim is to reduce the prevalence of methamphetamine in New Zealand communities, thereby protecting people, preventing social harms and strengthening communities.”

The new trust will involve business and community leaders, assisted by an Advisory Board of specialists, who will use the funds for targeted training programmes in schools and the community.  Funds will also be raised from a major fundraising Dinner to be held at Sky City in March 2009.

The objective of this new initiative is to reduce the usage and impact of P-METH on our youth and society.  Organisations such as Methcon Group Ltd  and others will conduct the education programmes.

What:          Auckland Seafood Festival

Where:        Halsey Street Wharf Extension, Western Viaduct, in the Heart of Auckland, the BIG Little City

When:            Auckland Anniversary Weekend - Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th January, 2009

Time:           12noon – 7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Blessing of the Fleet 2pm Saturday followed by the Greasy Pole Contest

Info:               www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz

How much: $10 pre-purchased through ticketmaster or $15 on the gate.

ends

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