Rotorua Glo Festival performer excited to share his talent on New Year's Eve

A Rotorua performer is excited to share his talent and make people smile at the upcoming Glo Festival.

The festival held on New Year's Eve at the Village Green will feature live music, a family movie and two fireworks displays.

Te Manaia Yates, 22, who has Down syndrome, is a well known and loved member of the Rotorua community.

He says he felt good and excited when he found out he will be performing in the festival and is looking forward to not only doing poi in front of the crowd, but also seeing all his friends.

Te Manaia's favourite part of performing is having fun, making people smile and spreading the love.

He has performed at Tales by Torchlight, Heights Creative, the Matariki Showcase and helped Rotorua's attempt to break the world record for the Giant Haka.

Te Manaia's mother Mercia-Dawn Yates says the Glo Festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all members of our community and including Te Manaia in the line-up accentuates inclusiveness.

"Te Manaia since he was born has won the hearts of many, within our community nationally and internationally," Mercia-Dawn says.

"He has grown up immersed in his culture and in particular his kapa Ngati Rangiwewehi.

"He is truly a proud Te Arawa/Rotorua young man. He was born to entertain."

The headline act for this year is New Zealand rock group Elemeno P.

Other local talent performing at the festival are Danielle Selwyn, Paretoroa Webster-Tarei, Rehua Selwyn, Ruaeo Te Moni and more.

Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic from 6pm.

McMahons Amusements will be available with a range of rides and inflatables.

There will be a free Kids Flo Zone with funky lighting and disco under the trees.

The movie which has been voted on by the public, Moana, begins at 6.30pm followed by the range of local performers on the main stage.

At 9.15pm, people are invited to the lakefront to watch the first of the fireworks displays.

Acts on the main stage will start again 9.40pm with a local DJ playing some well-known favourites before handing over to Elemeno P.

There will be another fireworks display at midnight.

The event is alcohol-free and a range of food will be available.

Glo Festival is supported by Rotorua Lakes Council, First Sovereign Trust Limited, Four Winds Foundation, Flags, Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits.