Porirua’s Christmas at Park cancelled

For the first time in 20 years there will be no Christmas at the Park for Porirua.

Organising committee chairman Robert Brace said a lack of funding was one of the reasons for bringing the festival to an end.

The budget of $80,000 had been increasingly difficult to meet.

‘‘This year we had an expectation of $45,000 from our supportive funders, but that still left us short of $35,000. It was a bridge too far,’’ he said.

‘‘Not only is the money actually required but it needs to be available in good time for proper planning.’’

He said some of the organising committee were also not able to continue volunteering their time.

‘‘It will be sorely missed. It was an interdenominational event supported by the community.

‘‘People were very appreciative and really enjoyed it.’’

Brace said the festival attracted about 10,000 people to Elsdon Park and had only been cancelled twice over the years.

He said his fondest memory was of the fireworks at the end of the event.

The festival grew from small beginning in Titahi Bay, then moved to the old K Mart Plaza, Aotea Lagoon, Te Rauparaha Park and finally Elsdon Park.

Last year performers included House of Shem and Funky Monkey’s Chris Lam Sam as MC.

Although this festival will not proceed, other Christmas celebrations around the city in Plimmerton, Whitby and Cannons Creek will continue.

The festival has previously been sponsored by Porirua City Council and the Mana Community Grants Foundation.