Media release:
Nelson Arts Festival - Oct 14-24th
The Nelson Arts Festival and Trafalgar 200 Programme hits the streets tomorrow (Fri Aug 26th), promising an array of
music, theatre and comedy in 50 performances over 10 days around Labour Weekend, plus all the pomp, ceremony and family
fun of the Trafalgar 200 celebrations.
Nelson City Council Arts Festival Director Annabel Norman says when the events kick off at dusk on Friday 14 October in
the Port Nelson Masked Parade, we are in for a celebration that will bring a spring buzz to the city.
"The festival this year has the opportunity to stand alone without the WOW awards, giving us the flexibility to combine
with the Christchurch and Taranaki Arts Festivals to bring in national and international acts," she said. "It's the
first time jazz pianist Mike Nock has brought his acclaimed trio to Nelson, we have ŒKing and Country' with the music of
World War I played on stage by Nelson City Brass, there is the imaginative music of The Lab, comedy from Te Radar, dance
from Raewyn Hill exploring the world of drug addictionŠand a lot more."
Last year's Early Bird specials are back, along with a book of vouchers to any ten shows for $230, a saving of up to $12
per show.
"We have introduced the voucher system to reward people who really support the festival by going to a lot of shows, and
also to encourage businesses and organizations to make block bookings to give staff, clients or members an affordable
and memorable night out."
Mayor Paul Matheson said Trafalgar 200, commemorating of the Battle of Trafalgar, had developed into a world wide event
and here in Nelson, broadened into a celebration of our region and its lifestyle.
There is something for everyone in Nelson City Council's Trafalgar 200 programme. You can dance and party to the music
of the Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy and Amsterdam's SDJ Alec Smart, at the Trafalgar 200 Ball. Hundreds of
uniformed sailors will be in town with the ten Naval ships in port. 200 pipers from all over New Zealand will pipe their
way up Trafalgar Street, followed by the pomp and ceremony of the Charter Parade. From fireworks and entertainment at
the Trafalgar 200 Grand Finale and arts, wine and cuisine at Sealord Love Nelson, it's going to be all go.
"Late October in Nelson is going to be very special this year," said Annabel Norman. "It's not too late to invite your
friends. We have a programme that deserves to be shared - we'd like nothing better than to see the full house signs go
up!"
Pick up a programme for the Nelson Arts Festival and Trafalgar 200 at Civic House, Nelson Public Libraries and numerous
retail outlets throughout the city. Nelson Arts Festival Bookings are now open at Everyman Records in Hardy Street,
phone 548 3083. Trafalgar 200 Ball tickets ($70) are available from the Council. Find out more at
www.nelsonfestivals.co.nz
ENDS