Soak up Summer in Nelson Tasman

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Summer in the Nelson Tasman region is officially here, so get ready to fill your diary with an exciting array of events on offer as part of the Summer Events 2015/16 programme.

Hitting letterboxes this week, the programme is a comprehensive guide to a range of free or affordable events over the summer months, which are sure to keep locals and visitors, both young and old, entertained.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says the programme of events will showcase our region at a beautiful time of year.

“We’re lucky to live in a very special part of the world and over the summer months the region really comes alive. Summer Events is a great way to highlight what our region has to offer.”

Nelson City Council Festivals Team Leader Axel de Maupeou says the programme of events has been developed to ensure people get the most out of summer in the region.

“Not only is our beautiful region a tourist hot spot over this time, but there are also many locals who decide to stay and enjoy the best time of year here, so we have made sure to design a programme that will really highlight our region and allow everyone to enjoy the outdoors.”

A major highlight this year is the return of the popular Opera in the Park, which will be held on Saturday 13 February 2016, with early bird tickets on sale fromThursday 3 December 2015.

Some of New Zealand’s best opera singers will be performing alongside the Orchestra Wellington, with soprano Anna Leese headlining the event.

There will also be stellar contemporary performers including Dave Dobbyn, Jackie Clarke, and the runaway hit of the 2014 Nelson Arts Festival, Modern Maori Quartet.

A new initiative is being launched this time, with ‘pay it forward’ tickets allowing Opera goers to gift a ticket to someone in the community who otherwise would not have the means to experience this very special event.

Mayor Reese says this initiative is a first and one which she hopes will invoke community spirit.

“The idea is essentially giving more people the ability to experience a world class event in their own backyard and I hope to see many people taking the opportunity to gift a ticket.”

Other highlights include:

Tahuna Rocks, 4 December and 30 January – free outdoor youth concerts at Tahunanui Youth Park at the beach.

The Lantern Celebration, 12 December 2015 – the walk up the Centre of New Zealand becomes a magical journey with a surprise around every corner. Head along to one of two lantern making workshops on Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December 10am-12pm at the Community Art Works on Paru Paru Road ($2 per person and lanterns and paint supplied).

New Year’s Eve Countdown – enjoy the party atmosphere and free bands in the city.

Summer Movies Al Fresco, January 2016 – classic films on show in our beautiful parks and reserves.

Teddy Bears’ Picnics – incredibly popular family fun events in both Nelson and Tasman.

Nelson Buskers Festival, 28-31 January 2016 – outrageous and entertaining buskers perform at the bottom of the Cathedral steps.

Beach Beat, January 2016 – head to Tahunanui Beach to hear talented local performers to end your day in the sun.

The full programme of summer events is also available at Council customer service centres, iSITEs, libraries and retail outlets throughout Nelson and Tasman or online at nelson.govt.nz search = summer.

Summer Events is brought to you by Nelson City Council, in partnership with Tasman District Council, as a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.

ENDS

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