Weather no match for festive spirit

Crowds brave the weather and listen to the talented Georgia Lines. Photo / Andrew Warner

Showers of rain failed to put off keen Christmas in the Park-goers who braved the conditions and enjoyed the biggest event yet.

Thousands of people of all ages filed through the gates at Blake Park on Saturday despite the testing weather conditions.

The event had grown "bigger and better" in its second year at the venue, with an expanded site, volunteer manager Clare Morris said.

She was happy the rain failed to put a dampener on the afternoon.

"Yes, we are really happy about the weather. I think we all had a pretty sleepless night on Wednesday," she said, while the rain held off in the early afternoon.

"We are stoked with the turnout. It's just an awesome event to see the community coming together."

She acknowledged the year-long work of the Little Big Markets team who put the day together and believed all the work paid off.

"This whole thing has been put on by the local community, for the local community.

"It's just really awesome seeing everyone having so much fun this close to Christmas."

Everyone who attended was asked to take along a toy for a boy or girl and an item of non-perishable food to support local charities, including the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Miss Morris said everyone had been "so generous" with their donations.

Event organiser Rachelle Duffy said the toys would go to Homes of Hope and the Tauranga Women's Refuge, while the food would go to the food bank and Good Neighbour Food Rescue.

Highlights of the event included performances from big names Benny Tipene, Jason Kerrison and MC Tali, while kids enjoyed a dedicated area, families had a picnic and the markets kept people fed.