Large crowd at sunny concert
People soaked up sun and the sweet tunes of Manawatu¯ musicians at a free concert at Memorial Park.
The Summer Social show yesterday was the second of four music events happening around Palmerston North. The first concert was held at Victoria Esplanade, but The Stomach manager Harry Lilley said the aim was to get out in the community by offering concerts in the suburbs. ‘‘We need to spread around. We are really strong believers that we’ve got to get out and work on community.’’
The concerts were a relaxed environment for family and friends to enjoy, Lilley said.
Kristy Rodgers said she went to the concert because it was close to her house. ‘‘It’s family friendly and it’s free.’’
There were plenty of trees to relax under, which made it comfortable on the hot day, she said.
Metservice recorded a high of 29 degrees Celsius yesterday, with similar temperatures predicted for the week.
It was good to see concerts in neighbourhoods rather than having to go to the city centre, Rodgers said.
Andy Payne had a picnic in the park with his family. He said the park was ideal for kids.
The pool there was also perfect for cooling down, Payne said. ‘‘It’s the best summer I can remember in a long time.’’
Jazz vocalist HANZ, Miss and Dusk Till Dawnz played throughout the afternoon, with Grayson Gilmour the final act of the evening.
The concerts are organised by Palmerston North City Council, Creative Sounds – The Stomach, Radio Control and the Massey University Students’ Association.
The next one is at Monrad Park on February 11, alongside other events at the Highbury Whanau Centre. The final concert is at Massey on February 25.