Cracker New Year’s Eve show in Palmerston North

2016 has been New Zealand’s warmest year on record, and New Year in The Square will reflect those temperatures with a free evening of hot entertainment.

There’ll be bands, laser lights, stroboscopic lighting effects and fireworks.

New Year in The Square coordinator Tony Mclaughlin said he would be bringing a highpowered line-up of new and triedand-true crowd-pleasing favourites for the region’s biggest end-of-year party.

‘‘The city will host the most spectacular event we’ve ever held and that’s saying something if you remember last year’s show which featured Eclipse, the Pink Floyd tribute band,’’ Mclaughlin said.

Introducing Lost Icons, a 13-piece band, plus sound and light extravaganza that will celebrate the music of David Bowie, Prince, Joe Cocker and the Eagles’ Glenn Frey. It features leading Kiwi saxophonist Roger Manins.

Again emceed by Mark Hazelwood, from 6.15pm to the children’s New Year countdown at 9.30pm, the focus will be on children‘s entertainment.

The early segment sees the return of the popular Captain Festus Mcboyle and his scurvy crew, along with Joe Mcnamara, Neil Tolan, Chris Lam Sam and Dizzy Dog - who are better known as the Funky Monkeys who will be ready to purvey their unique combo of songs and slapstick.

Also returning is Highly Flammable. The Wellington-based troupe of ‘pyros’ will get everyone fired up for the 9.30pm mini fireworks display and children’s countdown.

A line-up of local bands sets the scene for Lost Icons, which includes Libby Offord and the Session Band, Twisted, and Truly Made. Before the midnight countdown, DJ SK-1 takes over the turntables, while the Dean Mckerras Hip Hop Dance Crew takes over the stage. ‘‘Last year’s event was the most successful in its history with some 9000 people turning up.

‘‘This year we’ve put a huge amount of effort to deliver a high quality show worthy of any city,’’ Mclaughlin said.

The alcohol and smokefree show will also feature food trucks, with picnics and low chairs welcome to the events quadrant for the six-hour event.