1 December 2008

N E W S R E L E A S E

Switch-on Soon for TSB Bank Festival of Lights

Get ready to be wowed at this season’s TSB Bank Festival of Lights!

This free eight-week festival in Pukekura Park is brought to you by New Plymouth District Council. It starts on Sunday 14 December after the Christmas at the Bowl, and has eye-catching new features plus a packed entertainment programme.

“There really is something for everyone to enjoy, and we have a lot of new features for those who like to come back to the park year after year,” says NPDC Acting Manager Events Melissa Devine-Collins.

This year’s festival route is from the children’s playground to the main lake through to the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

The new features include a moving digital artwork, and an interactive piece that uses motion-sensitive technology to bring people’s shadows to life.

Also, designer Nicola Haines – who last year turned Poet’s Bridge into a large, illuminated hand-written signature – has created a floating fibre optic light sculpture for the main lake, and developed the oversized luminous garden in the black-light area.

“Nicola has also used her expertise to develop a lighting theme around the main lake that we think will wow everyone,” says Mrs Devine-Collins.

Festival favourite Grimace the Gorilla is back, as is the Twilight Movie Series – this year featuring The Notebook, Cars, Billy Elliot, ET and Sione’s Wedding.

Two stages will again be operating for evening entertainment and competitions, while the daytime activities programme includes a series of Monopoly challenges (on an oversized board), mad science workshops, a roller disco and a Surf and Skate Day out.

“There is so much in the On Stage and Summer Scene programmes that nearly every day of the festival’s run has something on offer,” says Mrs Devine-Collins.

“The TSB Bank Festival of Lights is a great way to celebrate our fantastic Pukekura Park and the summer season.”

And this year festival-goers can help shape future festivals by giving their feedback on the event.

Surveys will be conducted in the park and online at www.festivaloflights.co.nz to find out what people have particularly liked, and what they want in future seasons.

“The TSB Bank Festival of Lights is all about the community, and we want to deliver the attractions that people really want in the coming years,” she says.

ENDS

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