Summer City set to sizzle in its 30th year

It’s Summer City’s 30th birthday and we’re celebrating with a programme packed full of sizzling summer outdoor events and entertainment – so get amongst it!

The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) Summer City series kicks-off with a New Year’s Eve party in Civic Square with events continuing right through until the end of March.

New events this year include the 15th Unicycle World Championships – the first time it has been held in the southern hemisphere. Check out these masters of balance as they play unicycle hockey and basketball, race along the waterfront and do tricks throughout the city.

Also look out for Wellington’s Festival of Circus where for one week in March Waitangi Park will be magically transformed with big top circus tents, flying trapeze rigs, carousels and candy floss. And sample the sights, sounds and spicy aromas of Asia when the Southeast Asian Night Market sets up on the waterfront for one night in late March.

Wellington City Council’s Economic Development and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says the festival has a colourful history in Wellington, and this year’s line-up of entertainment to mark its 30th year is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

“Summer City dates back to 1978 when City Councillors proposed to bring all planned summer activities under one promotional umbrella and City of Wellington – Summer 79 was born. It was developed with two major aims - to provide good recreational opportunities during the summer and to offer worthwhile job opportunities in order to assist the unemployed situation over summer.

“Since then Summer City has developed to become a festival favourite for Wellingtonians. What I like most about Summer City is that there is something to cater for everyone’s taste, and most of the events are free.”

There is a huge array of music on offer with perennial favourite the ASB Gardens Magic Series in The Soundshell from 10-31 January and summer beats at One Love and Waitangi Day Celebrations. There’s also colourful festivities for the Chinese New Year celebrations, Pasifika and the Newtown Festival.

There will be plenty of sporting action on offer, with the party atmosphere of the NZI Sevens, the Pelorus Trust Wellington Round the Bays Fun Run, the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival, the Culture Kicks football tournament, beach volleyball, the Ocean Swim series and Offshore Powerboat Racing to get the blood pumping.

“Wellingtonians will be literally spoiled for choice so I encourage people to get out there and enjoy what’s on offer this summer,” says Cr Morrison.

Keep an eye out for the new look Summer City brochure featuring the full programme dotted around the city in cafes, bars, retail outlets, Council libraries, pools and recreation centres. Phone 499 4444 for one to be posted out to you, or check out details from the Council website, www.Wellington.govt.nz

ENDS

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