It’s the best way to unwind over summer – Ingham Lazy Sundays, Christchurch’s ever-popular series of free musical performances, returns to the Botanic Gardens’ Archery Lawn from 6 January.

Christchurch City Council Marketing Unit Manager Richard Stokes encourages everyone in need of some R&R to pack a blanket and enjoy some great musicians and a laid-back atmosphere.

“Traditionally, this series has been an incredible drawcard and attracts around 2000 very relaxed-looking music fans every Sunday. Everyone in Christchurch is deserving of a good, relaxing afternoon every so often – and Ingham Lazy Sundays provides just that.”

The free live music runs from 3pm to 4.30pm every Sunday from 6 January to 10 March. The line-up of talented artists includes Upper Hutt Posse, Locean, The Unfaithful Ways, Mandy Pickering, Bond Street Bridge, Fiona Pears, Graham Wardrop and Valdy, Naomi Ferguson and the Three of Hearts, Hera, Happiness Stan and Radius.

Those looking for a prime spot right in front of the stage are in luck – simply enter Ingham’s weekly “Best Rug in Town” promotion in conjunction with The Breeze 94.5 FM for the chance to win a fun Kiwi picnic at that week’s event, including plenty of food and refreshments for your family and friends courtesy of Ingham. Additionally, Ingham is putting on a free BBQ for attendees at the start of every gig, adding that extra bit of flavour to a thoroughly relaxed, thoroughly Kiwi lazy Sunday.

For more information on Ingham Lazy Sundays or other upcoming events please visit www.summertimes.co.nz or www.bethere.co.nz. For more information on Ingham’s “Best Rug in Town” promotion with The Breeze, visit www.thebreeze.co.nz

Ingham Lazy Sundays Schedule

6 January – Upper Hutt Posse (UHP) – Formed in 1985 and releasing New Zealand’s first rap song and hip hop album, UHP is a unique rap-reggae-funk fusion band that produces groove-driven music with meaningful phraseology.

13 January – Fledge – Fledge is a showcase of material from a combination of musicians. Acoustic and folk artist Hera performs with Jed Parsons and is joined by the House of Mountain band (Moses Robbins, Kurt Preston, Ben Campbell and Jed Parsons) for some upbeat numbers. Happiness Stan (aka Kris Wilson) uses vocals and guitar to deliver a style fitting within the traditional country and dirt genre.

20 January – Locean – Formed in 2006, this eclectic funk/soul band is armed with an arsenal of licks and grooves. Hailing from Christchurch, Locean indulge in the delicate and heavy, the sweet and the bitter. Playing support for seminal NZ artists, Locean are a band of formidable potency.

27 January – Unfaithful Ways – The Unfaithful Ways, a Christchurch four-piece band, fuse songs of love, loss, protection and the darker side of human emotion. Weaving their own beautifully-tempered and widely-admired sound, their 2011 debut album Free Reign has been met with nationwide critical acclaim.

3 February – Mandy Pickering – Mandy's singing career was launched with her winning performance on Stars in Their Eyes. She is currently recording new material, including the recent single Anything For You. Accompanied by her talented band, Mandy will perform original and cover songs in her unique soulful style.

10 February – Bond Street Bridge – Bond Street Bridge is where Sam Prebble, of the Broken Heartbreakers and the Reb Fountain Band, gets to break out from the mould and play his own style of music: selections from an Antarctic song cycle inspired by the exploits of Scott and Shackleton, favourites from 2011's Spring Summer Awesome Winter, and newer material. Accompanied by glitchy beats, a fair bit of strings and a surprising amount of cinematic pomp and circumstance.

17 February – Fiona Pears – Talented violinist and composer Fiona Pears delights with her charismatic performances and eclectic mix of musical styles including Celtic, Classical, Tango, Jazz and Gypsy. Together with her talented band, expect a fiery melting-pot of flavours and a thrilling, visually-stunning musical experience.

24 February: Flower Power Day - Graham Wardrop and Valdy -  Canadian folk singer Valdy and local finger-style guitar legend Graham Wardrop link opposite ends of the Pacific via fine song-writing, virtuoso guitar-playing and tight harmony singing. Each is a soloist performing at the top of his field – together, the combination is both musically rewarding and highly entertaining. In association with Festival of Flowers and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

3 March – Naomi Ferguson and the Three of Hearts - Accomplished performer and songwriter Naomi Ferguson brings her love of song-writing and performing original material together with the Three of Hearts. Joined by Justine Snelgrove (flute, sax and backing vocals), Alex van den Broek (trumpet, keys and guitar), Victoria Knopp (bass and backing vocals) and Jesse Hughes (drums) this will be a melodic, uplifting and entertaining afternoon that is not to be missed.

10 March – Radius – Radius provides 'instrumental fire for your soul' with Harry Harrison drawing on his Scottish roots and immersion in Americana, as the 'Celtic Cowboy' of Aotearoa on guitar, dobro and banjo. Justine S evokes sonic sounds using voice, alto saxophone and flute, creating cross-cultural streams from around the globe. Together their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies interweave, producing a richly-textured instrumental wonder.