The rehearsals are over, the sun is expected to shine and Rotorua's Village Green is ready for a night of picnics, dancing and home-grown entertainment.
Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward was in full-blown concert mode when the Rotorua Daily Post caught up with him yesterday.
"It's absolutely fantastic,"he said, gushing over this year's setup.
He said when planning what to bring to the concert it was "all about low chairs and consideration for others".
"People will spill in early to set up their spot and we want to create a safe environment.
"While it may be a lovely evening, come adequately clothed or carry a jacket, it can get a bit colder during the night.
"People are welcome to bring a bottle of wine or a few beers, but we'll be keeping our eye on people who seem to have an excessive quantity."
This year the reserved seating area has been made smaller so the crowds can becloser to the stage and Edward said he was excited for people to get a little closer.
He said people driving to the concert should be prepared to walk.
"Parking is always a problem. The best thing to do is get as close as you can to the Lakefront along the city streets."
There is disabled parking beside the Soundshell and an area for disabled people and their caregivers to sit.
"The pre show will begin at 5pm, an hour of entertainment for those who want to trickle in early, then the stage will be cleared and final prep will be done for the pohiri at 7pm," Edward said.
"Speeches will be given from deputy mayor Dave Donaldson and kaumatua Monty Morrison while the Sunrise Rotary Club make their gold coin collection for the Waiariki Women's Refuge."
Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward, left, and artistic and musical director Richard Anaru are ready for a 'fantastic' night at Lakeside 2018. Photo/Ben Fraser
The concert itself will begin at 7.30pm featuring a lineup of acts with a local connection.
The fireworks will go off at about 10.15pm ready for things to wrap up at 10.30pm.
"We think theatrically having the fireworks going off behind the stage and the theatre of the trees will be magical.
"The whole ground will be lit up with lighting towers in place for security."
Edward said when tasked with the direction of the show, artistic and musical director Richard Anaru came back with a formula that exceeded his expectation.
"It's so new for us here and it will probably exceed anything we've ever done before."
Anaru said there was still a lot of last-minute preparation to go but it was fantastic to see it coming together.
"It's amazing to think that from a meeting on the footpath eight months ago we're now right here."
Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said events like this could often coincide with crime spikes, but he doesn't want to see that.
"We are expecting it to be a good crowd, the weather looks good and there will be a lot of police there.
"Lock your vehicles, keep valuables out of sight and where possible park in well lit areas.
"If you are coming into the city stick with friends and be alert for suspicious behaviour.
"If you aren't from here, make sure you do check the location and stay within the event perimeters."
Lakeside 2018 Whenua #itsabouthome Start time: Preshow entertainment, 5pm, powhiri 7pm, concert starts 7.30pm Fireworks: About 10.15pm Lineup including: Sons of Zion, Moana & the Tribe, Mai moa, Strangely Arousing, Turanga Merito, Modern Maori Quartet, Howard Morrison Trio What to bring: Hamper/picnic, rugs/cushions, low level seating only, warm clothes for later in the night Note: Bags may be searched for excess alcohol (beer and wine only permitted) Cost: Free Road closures: From 3pm to midnight parts of Fenton St, Pukaki St and Hinemaru St. From 6am to midnight parts of Whakaue St, Memorial Drive, Lakefront Drive and Tutanekai St Disabled Access: Parking near the Soundshell with a designated seating area for people in a wheelchair and their carers
