Seasonal spirit in the park

Christmas in the Park brings about huge benefits to the local community. Photo/supplied

A fantastic line-up of Kiwi musicians will take to the stage at Christmas in the Park on Saturday.

Not only will our own Tiki Taane be performing, but Dave Dobbyn will be headlining the event. "It's going to be a massive day. We have a range of musicians that reach across all generations and genres," says organiser Rachelle Duffy.

Julia Deans, Beau Monga, Jayson Norris, Georgia Lines and The Modern Maori Quartet feature plus a number of local dance groups. A dedicated Kids Zone Carnival Area has been created for the event, where the Night Owl Cinema will be playing Frozen.

Performers and artists from the Incubator will be on a mini-stage for the kids.

Those wanting to squeeze in some late Christmas shopping can do so at 50 pop-up stores from The Little Big Markets.

Shops will offer free gift wrapping and well-known food trucks from Food Truck Friday and Dinner in the Domain will be serving food and drinks from 2pm.

The event has been kept free of charge. However, donations will be gratefully accepted and given to various local charities. "If you can, we would like people to bring a wrapped gift, a can of food and a gold coin, for charity.

"For us, the event is all about giving as much as we can to charity and those in our community who are in need. But once you are in, entertainment is free, including kids' rides. You just pay for your food and any last minute Christmas shopping," says Ms Duffy.

Food collected at the event will be given to the Tauranga Foodbank and Good Neighbour, and presents donated to Homes of Hope, Tauranga Moana Night Shelter, Shakti and Tauranga Women's Refuge.

For more info or to volunteer to help at the event, visit www.facebook.com/taurangaschristmasinthepark

the fine print
What: Christmas in the Park
Where: Blake Park
When: Saturday, December 19, 2-9pm