Christchurch New Year's Eve to be bigger, bolder and better than ever

New Year's Eve returns to North Hagley Park to cram some literally last-minute thrills into 2012 and welcome 2013 in the toe-tapping style that Christchurch has become accustomed to from 6.30pm–12.30am on Monday 31 December.

Christchurch City Council Marketing Unit Manager Richard Stokes says the alcohol-free celebration has something for the whole family.

“No matter what your musical taste – or your bedtime – our New Year’s Eve concert has it covered. We’ll have kid-friendly acts early on, followed by modern and classic pop and rock, some Celtic rock, and the traditional Lone Piper. Christchurch is the place to be, and we’ll prove it by taking on the New Year with positivity, energy and a community spirit like no other.”

Fun entertainment from 6.30pm is ideal for the younger children and concludes with a Kids Early Midnight Countdown at 8.30pm. For the second half the music steps up a notch from 9pm to 12.30am with entertainment for all ages.

Cover band New Entrants will kick off the second part of the evening. They have a huge repertoire and will be rocking out classic songs from Elvis through to Queen as well as the latest hits.

Christchurch legendary Celtic rockers, The Black Velvet Band, will have the audience stomping their feet from 9.50 pm with a high-energy performance of traditional and contemporary Celtic songs, as well as fresh interpretations of other old favourites. New Entrants will return at 11.15pm to sweep the crowd through to midnight and beyond, building the hype and leading the countdown to 2013.

At midnight, fireworks will blast off from Lake Victoria and while the Lone Piper plays, audience members will have the chance to join hands with family, friends and whoever's nearest, and sing along to Auld Lang Syne.

The New Year’s Eve event is part of the annual Garden City SummerTimes festival. All the main events are back to ease people into the New Year with details at www.summertimes.co.nz and in the official programme available from Council service centres and libraries.

Free parking will be available off Harper Avenue from 3pm. If coming by bus, please check your travel plans as no buses will run after midnight.