Good times for holiday season

A carnival, dinosaurs and the best sounds. Vicki Anderson offers a few highlights of events in Christchurch this weekend and for New Year’s Eve

NEW YEAR’S EVE L.A.B:

North Hagley Park is the place to be on Tuesday night to see the back of what was for many an awful 2019 and usher in the hope-filled new year with 2020 vision. The Edge NYE19, from 6pm, is free entry and features some fantastic musical talent. Whoever booked L.A.B. for this free event deserves a pay rise because these guys know how to bring the party. Joel Shadbolt, lead vocalist for L.A.B. has a voice that could melt steel. Joining L.A.B. for this party is Christchurch neo soul duo, Dillastrate, including Tim Driver and Henare Kaa, who recently performed for a member a member of the Rolling Stones. Dillastrate’s recently released debut album is on high rotate in my house right now. Singing drummers are cool. Rounding out the lineup is standout multiinstrumentalists The Response, electropop act PRINS, DJ Spinal and Canterbury Rockquest winners, Sneaky Caribbean Monk Seals.

The Court Jesters will start the night off with interactive fun for the whole family. The children’s countdown is at 8pm. The night ends with a mega fireworks display.

Zed:

Buoyed by their recent reformation, Zed are performing at various locations this summer and for New Year’s Eve will be at The Good Home, 2A Waterman Place, Ferrymead from 7pm.

The Johnnies:

If you are a fan of punk and remember the Gladstone and the Star and Garter, you’ll share my excitement at the news that legendary Christchurch punk band The Johnnies, who once brought the police riot squad to these legendary venues, will be playing a special, one-off New Year’s Eve gig. Pogo your way into 2020, and hear one of the best songs to emerge from Christchurch, Who Killed Johnny! and more at the Embankment Tavern, 181 Ferry Rd. Free show.

The Wunderbar:

If you’re in Lyttelton on New Year’s Eve, head to the Wundy for the sound of Odyssey from 9pm. $10.25.

Hide NYE:

Hide presents Calyx & TeeBee, GLXY, Makoto and MC Fava from 9pm. $50.

Rhythm and Alps:

If you want to go large, Rhythm and Alps, a three-day international music festival in Wanaka, is the place to go. From December 29 it offers a beautiful location, beats and vibe staged by leading industry professionals who care about music and a quality experience.

LIVE MUSIC:

January 10: Christof van der Ven (UK) and Jed Parsons at Wunderbar; January

12: A Summer’s Day Disco at Hagley Park, featuring KC and the Sunshine Band, Earth Wind and Fire Experience feat. Al McKay and Boney M feat. Maizie Williams, the Australian Bee Gees Show tribute band; January 17: David Rodigan at the Slate Room; January 18: Desert rockers Yawning Man (USA) at the Club.

THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND The Wind in the Willows

If you haven’t seen The Wind In the Willows at the Court Theatre yet, make time to do so, it’s a wonderful interpretation of the whimsical classic tale involving the lovable rogue, Toad and friends. Friday and Saturday 7.30pm, Sunday 4pm, Monday, 6.30pm; Court Theatre, Bernard St, Addington.

Dinofest Christchurch

From January 9, Halswell Quarry Park hosts DinoFest Christchurch. In its third year, DinoFest returns with ‘‘more dinosaurs, more roaring, and more chomping’’. With the help of dinosaurs, Rexy, Roxy and Big Herb, the plant-eating titanosaur, children can learn about the prehistoric ferns, cycads and conifer trees whose descendants still grow in the park today. Tickets include a Dinosaur Encounter, activities, and a Jurassic Dinosaur Trail. Suitable for families with children aged 8 and under.

Life is a Rollercoaster

The Christmas Carnival is at Gloucester Green, 221 Gloucester St, from midday until 8pm daily to January 11, and offers the chance to take a ride on the Orient Express rollercoaster. It is billed as New Zealand’s largest travelling rollercoaster and is ‘‘direct from the biggest state fairs in the United States’’. Family pass, $25 for six rides.

Spencer Park Gala

For a relaxing fun, family day out you can’t beat the Spencer Park Gala and Market on Wednesday, January 1 and Thursday, January 2 from 10am to 4pm at Spencer Park. It offers more than 60 market stalls, sideshows, entertainment and a full food court. Dogs welcome but must be on a leash.