Masterton to light up festive season

PARTY TIME: Indian women perform a traditional dance at last year's 12 Nights of Christmas. This year a special light show on December 13 will open the celebrations. PHOTO/FILE

Masterton will be treated to its first light show to mark the first of the 12 Nights of Christmas in the Town Square.

A unique opening night featuring balloons, lightsticks, lanterns and a computer-driven Christmas tree illumination will kick off the first of the events, on December 13.

The light show will be projected on to the Town Hall and will include a short film, as well as a montage of images from around Wairarapa.

Helium balloons filled with light sticks and sky lanterns will also add to the Christmas magic.

Organiser and Masterton District Council community development officer Sandy Ryan said this year's programme would be even better than last year's, after the council doubled the funding.

"It's about showcasing local talent, that whole sense of pride in the place that you live in. It's important to give people an opportunity to celebrate and come together."

The 12 Nights of Christmas offers a broad range of free activities, Mrs Ryan said.

"Each night is themed differently, because we try to make it as broad as possible to attract as many people as possible.

"It's all about participation, it's all about people getting involved."

A self-professed lover of Christmas, Mrs Ryan was keen to bring the festive spirit to Masterton after seeing the variety of events on offer in Auckland.

"When I came back here, I thought nothing happens here at Christmas, or very little. There just didn't seem to be a celebration and last year, when I heard that the Town Square was going to be built, I thought we could bring the community together and celebrate Christmas." All events are free, with performers and volunteers donating their time.

-Those interested in performing, volunteering or running a stall can get in touch through the 12 Nights of Christmas Facebook page.