New venue for Stan Walker in Turangi

27 November 2015

Turangi's Christmas in the Park is getting bigger and better - so much so that it's moving to a new, larger venue!

The event, organised by Safe Turangi, is now being held on the Tongariro School sportsfield to allow room for the crowds headlining act Stan Walker is expected to pull. Originally the event was to be held at Te Kapua Park.

International recording artist Walker is performing in Turangi as part of the town's 50th Jubilee finale and Christmas in the Park celebrations on December 12. The Australian Idol-winner has had eight hit singles in the New Zealand top 10 charts, been a judge on The X Factor NZ since 2013, and starred in movies Mt Zion and the new Born To Dance.

New features of the event had also been announced, with the addition of a movie screening, laser show and community awards. Turangi Tongariro Community Board chairman and Christmas in the Park committee spokesperson Tangonui Kingi said the awards would showcase Turangi's fantastic community spirit. We want to recognise members of our community who have done great things at this special time of year, he said. Christmas is a great time to celebrate our achievements and give one another a pat on the back.

A number of other local and national artists will also be playing at the concert, including emerging pop artist and Turangi local Jackson Owens. Owens is currently touring and producing new music in the United Kingdom with his band Far Young. The musical entertainment will run alongside games, prizes, bouncy castles and other entertainment for the kids and a spectacular fireworks display.

To find out more about the community awards and nominate someone, register a food stall or float for the event, visit the Christmas in the Park Turangi Facebook page.

The event is being supported by Taupo District Council, Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, BayTrust, Genesis Energy, Creative Communities Scheme, The Lines Company, King Country Energy, Turangi Tongariro Community Board, First Sovereign Trust and Southern Trust.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz