Media Release

11 November 2016

Palmy is the Place to be for Christmas celebrations

As soon as December appears on the calendar, Palmerston North’s community can enjoy a line-up of Christmas festivities and events being held in the City Centre.

“Council has funded a series of free Christmas themed events to provide options for people to enjoy festivities traditionally associated with Christmas,” says PNCC Manager- Community Engagement Ian Littleworth. “Having them all held in the city’s Square adds vibrancy to our town-centre and makes them accessible to everyone.”

Launching the Christmas season celebrations is the Christmas tree lighting on December 1.

“Community groups and choirs are already rehearsing for their performances, for what will be a relaxed, family-orientated evening,” says Mr Littleworth. “People are encouraged to bring a blanket, enjoy the songs, prior to the countdown of the switching on of the lights.” The Christmas tree lights are due to be switched on at 8.15pm to ensure the night is not too late for younger children, carols will start at 7.30pm.

The following Sunday (December 4), The Square will be filled with the buzz of Christmas. Thousands of people are expected to be in town to enjoy the Christmas Market that starts at 10am, followed by family entertainment over lunchtime picnics from 12 noon. At 2pm, the Christmas Parade will start its circuit around The Square and will give children their first glimpse of Father Christmas.

Closer to Christmas Day, is the Christmas Concert in The Square on December 17.

“This is the perfect way to spend a summer evening with loved ones during what can be a hectic time of year,” says Littleworth. “It is a chance for people to relax and enjoy a festive community spirit, with children’s entertainment, a Christmas Night market and food trucks”.

The concert will feature community entertainment with the drawcard being the much acclaimed Rodger Fox Big Band featuring Ray Woolf, Erna Ferry and Amy Hunt. It is expected that Father Christmas will also attend. The concert will run from 5pm – 9pm.

A Palmy is the Place to Be booklet was distributed on November 1 with rates notices detailing key events being held in Palmerston North from 1 November to 1 April. Copies of this booklet can be picked up from around the city. ManawatuNZ.co.nz also details all local events.

Ends

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