Winter Bash event coming to Rotorua

CENTRE: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. PHOTO/FILE

An event which gives high school students a "pre-clubbing experience without alcohol" is coming to Rotorua for the first time.

The Pro Fresh Winter Bash is being held on August 12 at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, from 7pm to 11pm.

Event director Jaymz MacKenzie-Hooper said it would feature four to five top club and festival DJs, and snow machines which were just an effect and did not get people wet.

DJs that will be featured include DJ Tone Def and DJ Sanka.

Mr MacKenzie-Hooper said there would also be professional lighting with moving lights.

The event is for youth aged 13 to 18 years and is "safe for kids to go along and dance with their mates".

It is an alcohol and drug free event, he said.

He said it was like a social dance "but one that's open to the public, not tied to a certain school".

"When I was in high school there weren't too many events for kids that age."

He said they were "just trying to give them what we never had and a bit of fun".

"It's cool and a bit different."

There would also be licensed security guards at the dance, he said.

He said local radio station Flava were supporting the event and after speaking to the venue they were looking to do another event later in the year, if this one went well.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz and cost $15 for general admission or $25 for VIP tickets.

Mr MacKenzie-Hooper said the VIP tickets gave people access to the photo booth and a free drink from V.

They were looking to sell between 250 and 300 tickets for the Rotorua event, he said.

For more details visit the Pro Fresh Winter Page at www.facebook.com/rotoruaevents.