New Zealand Cities

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park Christchurch 2012

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is an annual event in Christchurch, New Zealand that has been sponsored by Coca-Cola for the past 19 years. A crowd of approximately 100,000 gathered at Hagley Park on the evening on Saturday the 24^thNovember for the 2012 show.

 

The line up was impressive and the hosts were Simon Barnett and Gary McCormick from 92.1 MORE FM Canterbury. By 7:30, people had settled into position with blankets, deckchairs and basket of picnic food. The sun was still out when the entertainment started and it was a pleasant evening with the sun shining.

 

The first half of the show focused on Christmas carols and there was something for everyone. Santa was on the stage in his sleigh and performed a lively version of Feliz Navidad. The 14 year old winner of the MORE FM Canterbury’s X-mas Factor sang Rocking around the Christmas Tree while the Rangi Ruru Dance Club supported her in dance. Old time favourites Frankie Stevens and Jackie Clarke sang Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas before the final act of the first half which was Takumi Taiko Drumming Ensemble and The Christchurch Pops Choir. Skye Broberg performed aerial acrobatics throughout this act and had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

 

After a 15 minute break, the second half kicked off and the crowd were soon in party mode. Performers included The Motown Experience, Drew Neemia with Swarm, Michael Murphy with Chant et Danse, and Dane Rumble with Epic Entertainment. The music was contemporary and loud and by the time Dane Rumble reached the stage, the people were on their feet, dancing along and enjoying themselves.

 

The show ended just after 10pm with the Coca-Cola fireworks finale. Sharon Emirali, Ellen Kuiper, Cameron Clayton and the cast of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park performed a stirring rendition of You Should be Dancing while explosions of gold and silver filled the air above the stage. It was a fantastic evening of top class entertainment and one of the best shows yet.