THE countdown is on with only two sleeps to go until Rotorua welcomes 2012.
According to Rock the Lake event promoter Monty Morrison the best place to see in the new year this year will be at the Lakefront for the city's annual Rock The Lake Mardi Gras.
National televisionstars and local entertainers will share the stage at this year's mardi gras with the free concert and fireworks spectacular being hosted by the ever popular Shane Cortese.
Mr Morrison said the cast from TV One's hit comedy-drama Nothing Trivial will show the crowd they have plenty to offer apart from acting.
He said the event gets between 15,000 to 20,000 people down to the Lakefront each year and would be held rain or shine - which is just as well because the MetService long range forecast for December 31 is not looking flash with rain, some heavy, forecast to hit town by today, settling in for the weekend.
"No matter what the weather, we always get a good, fun crowd down here and I'm sure this year will be no different," he said.
Entertainers and actors Shane Cortese, Blair Strang, Nicole Whippy, Tandi Wright and Debbie Newby-Ward from Nothing Trivial will do their thing while some classy local acts will keep the stage rocking until midnight.
Also on the bill is Rodger Cunningham and the 2011 Rock The Lake Band, The Shamus Webster Band, Major, Chris Webber, Pirates of the Nile, Kelly Makiha and Daryl Cogger and The Nataria Dancers.
Mr Morrison said they wanted to balance the show with local artists and he was excited at the talent who would be on stage.
The event is alcohol-free and Mr Morrison said organisers were working with police to ensure a successful night.
"We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves and the alcohol ban will be closely monitored."Rock The Lake is at the Soundshell on Rotorua's Lakefront on Saturday December 31 - New Year's Eve. The More FM family fun hour starts at 6pm with the main show starting at 8pm and the First Sovereign Midnight Fireworks Finale will round the night off.
