A Very Welly Christmas
Despite the weather’s best efforts to keep everyone inside, Wellington was filled with the holiday spirit at the weekend, as residents enjoyed A Very Welly Christmas.
Dancers, acrobatics, performers on stilts and more entertainers from all over the globe filled the city’s streets over Saturday and Sunday.
The two-day festival – replacing the capital’s traditional Santa parade – drew thousands of spectators; all braving the rain to enjoy the fun and maybe get a wave from Santa Claus.
Highlights included the Christmas carols, and playing in a giant snow dome on Lambton Quay.
Wellington City Council’s Rebecca Adams said the festivities were a hit, even though the weather had been against the event organisers.
There had been plans to hold a Christmas carols concert, featuring community choirs and an Air Force band, on Saturday night but that had to be cancelled due to the weather.
The council’s senior advisor city events, David Daniela, said it was the first time Lambton Quay had been closed for two days. This had created a lovely feel and a lovely vibe.
‘‘We’d like to do it again next year. We’ll sit and talk to everyone once everyone’s had a chance to breathe.’’
Santa will now be returning to the David Jones department store to take portraits with children every day up until Christmas.