Next year's Rotorua Lakeside concert announced

Fireworks at this year's Lakeside concert. Photo / File

Details for next year's Lakeside concert have officially been launched, with organisers promising another spectacular show featuring well-known and home grown entertainers.

Popular entertainers Rewa Ututaonga from Rotorua and Leon Wharekura from Huntly have been selected as the artistic directors following an audition process at the end June by the Rotorua Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust.

Leon Wharekura and Rewa Ututaonga. Photo / Supplied

Their concept is Waiata Mai #past, present, future, which will take those attending the annual free concert on a journey through the decades paying homage to Rotorua's past, present and future entertainers.

Details about the show were revealed at the official launch to sponsors at the Rotorua Novotel last night. Among the line-up will be the Koi Boys, Mark Williams, Suzanne Lynch, Ben Makisi, the Yandall Sisters, Jack Grace, Rewa Ututaonga and Krissie Knap.

Ututaonga said it was a huge honour to direct the show, which she guaranteed would be enjoyed by all in Rotorua.

"Over the past few months, we have started putting the show together, booking the artists, band and choreographer as well as meeting with the sound, stage and lighting experts. Last night's presentation at the launch party for Lakeside 2019 was a culmination of all the hard work so far.

"We will be taking you on a musical journey through the decades, paying homage to Rotorua's past, present and future entertainers. We honour those who bought the swing, the soul, the haka and the boogie. We have so much to be proud of."

Lakeside trust chairman Ian Edward said the success of this year's Whenua #it'sabouthome concert cemented the trust's change of direction to focus on local performers.

"While we were always aware of the local talent, this year there was a change in the trust's philosophy."

He said the trust was excited about next year's show and he promises there would be so many highlights.

The concert will be held on March 9 at the Village Green.

* For more details about Lakeside 2019, see Thursday's Rotorua Daily Post.