Starlight Cinema Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza returns for 2020

The annual Starlight Cinema Centre Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza will be on Friday, November 6. Photo / Starlight Cinema Centre Taupō

The show must go on!

A new main sponsor has been found for the annual Starlight Cinema Centre Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza. Cinema ower Peter Smith says things haven't been great in the cinema business since Covid-19 but the main sponsor and organiser for Taupō's biggest family show didn't want the community to miss out.

Lake Taupō Rotary has stepped in and taken over the financial risk of the fireworks and laser show being held on Friday, November 6 at Owen Delany Park. Rotary fireworks co-ordinator Clive MacDonald said Starlight Cinema Centre keeps the naming rights as it has been the main sponsor for so many years and because Peter has done much of the pre-planning.

Clive said Lake Taupō Rotary will redistribute the money made at the gate to community projects.

Peter says the decision to go ahead was only made a week ago.

"It's amazing that it's still able to be put on but not having it at this time is unthinkable. The community need an 'out'," said Peter.

Highly excited about the content of this year's show, Peter says there is no cutting back on the quality of the show and the fireworks and laser display will be as good as last year.

"The minor sponsors are making a bigger contribution this year than ever. And there are many businesses and individuals who contribute but wish to remain anonymous," said Peter.

There will be three bouncy castles, and Act2 Visual and Performing Arts School will have movie characters circulating among the crowd.

"Just imagine the children's faces when they see Elsa or Anna from Frozen, Beauty or the Beast from Beauty and the Beast or Spiderman," said Peter.

In a nod towards Covid-19, hand sanitiser and face masks will be on hand for the public to use if they wish. Peter says there will be more food stalls to reduce the queue lengths and help spread out the crowd a bit more.

Peter says putting a show this size is extremely nerve-racking, especially if it has to be cancelled or postponed.

"The weather always plays its part. In years gone by there has been a gathering of us up at Owen Delany Park looking at the rain radar or trying to work out if the wind will drop."

Peter grins as he says, "But we've got contacts up above".

• The Starlight Cinema Centre Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza, Friday, November 6 at Owen Delany Park. Gates open at 5.30pm and the movie starts at 7pm. Tickets cost $25 for a family of four with extra children $5, adult tickets $10. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the night.