Big plans for Mangere Bridge parade
Christmas in Mangere Bridge is going to be more than carol singing - expect break-dancing performances, art markets and a chance to donate.
On December 8, the streets are set to get into the festive spirit.
The Mangere Bridge Santa Parade will take place on Coronation Road between Domain and Church Roads.
The markets and entertainment will start at 4:30pm and the Parade at 6pm.
There are lots of free activities planned for the kids including craft markets and a few new floats might make an appearance.
Break-dancer Jody Stewart who goes by the moniker B-girl Nossy is getting her crew of about 11 primary students ready to battle.
They previously performed at last year’s parade, at Ambury Farm Day and also at Otara’s Urbanesia show.
‘‘I have been teaching this crew of kids for four years.
‘‘We have been practising at Ambury Farm and the kids will perform a breakdancing battle,’’ Stewart from InStance Movement says.
She says the parade is good fun and ‘‘it is always lovely to see the community come together. I like to get the kids involved with the community’’.
Mangere Bridge author Robyn P Murray is ‘‘excited’’ to be at the parade this year again with a stall selling her books.
She says its a good way to interact with her readers who often visit to buy books.
‘‘The books will be presented in a Christmas theme. The parade is fantastic.. it’s a good start to the Christmas season,’’ she says.
Also, Mangere Bridge School will be putting up a show. They won best group last year.
The Spirit of Christmas NZ will be setting up a stall asking people to donate towards hampers that will be given to single parents that might not otherwise have a very merry Christmas.
Single father-of-two Aaron D’Souza cares for his sons Dylan and Logan, and runs the volunteer group Christmas Spirit NZ.
It all began after he realised how difficult it was being a single parent.
D’Souza says they are asking for ‘‘non-perishable food items, gift vouchers, toys ... anything that’s in good condition’’ that can be added to the basket. Last year they gave out hampers to 25 families.