Sun shines on Square revellers
‘‘There was nothing on TV so we thought we come down and see what it is about.’’ Darren Westwell
Sunscreen and Santa hats were out as crowds enjoyed the perfect day for Christmas in The Square.
Palmerston North’s Christmas show returned for another year and a sunny day brought out crowds in their thousands on Saturday.
An estimated 8000 people attended throughout the evening, taking the chance to enjoy food trucks, bouncy castles, and a variety of musical and dance performances.
Event organiser Duncan Mccann said the evening was an institution on the holiday calendar.
‘‘The free children’s activities all day and also free entertainment – that is what it is about.’’
At its peak, he estimated about 6000 would have packed into The Square, with about 8000 all up through the evening.
‘‘Everyone had a great time. We were lucky it was a perfect day.’’
Mccann said the show went off without a hitch.
The crowd enjoyed the mixture of different acts, ranging from local singers, hip hop dancing and the popular Rodger Fox Big Band.
‘‘The quality of what they do is unsurpassed. It was nice to bring something that is the best in the country at what they do,’’ Mccann said.
Darren Westwell brought his daughters Jemma, 7, and Kayla, 10, to check out the food and the performance.
‘‘There was nothing on TV so we thought we come down and see what it is about.’’
It was their first experience and they were pleased with what they found.
Theresa Selley and daughter Renee, 11, were also enjoying their first taste of Christmas in the Square.
‘‘It’s cool. It’s really cool. It’s free. It’s a fun night, local talent – it’s awesome.’’
The pair made the trip from Ashhurst to see the show and said it was well worth it.
Cory and Toni Neale returned to the event for their second time, bringing Jack, 18 months, and Ruby, 3, to enjoy the festivities.
‘‘We enjoy coming to the night market and it’s Christmas, so the kids want to see Santa.’’