Christmas in the Park concerts off amid uncertainty

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2020 has officially been called off because of the uncertainty around events amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The free outdoor Christmas concert usually attracts thousands of Kiwis to its Auckland and Christchurch venues but has now been cancelled for the first time in its 26-year history.

A statement by the organisers blames the “uncertainty of how major events will be treated in New Zealand” for the cancellation, because, despite happening in December, the event takes months to put together.

“Given the immense amount of planning and work involved in CocaCola Christmas in the Park, we’ve had

To support our charity partner Youthline during these difficult times, we have donated an additional $100,000 . . .

Annette Chillingworth Coca-Cola NZ

to make the sad decision to postpone until next year due to the current uncertainty of Covid-19 restrictions around large public events,” said Annette Chillingworth from CocaCola NZ.

“To support our charity partner Youthline during these difficult times, we have donated an additional $100,000 this year given their important role for NZ communities,” Chillingworth said.

“On top of this, we will continue to work closely with Youthline and look at more ways to support their people and their work in 2020.”

The event, which has raised millions of dollars for New Zealand charities over the years, promises to return at the end of next year.