News

Christchurch show planned to go ahead; Auckland show cancelled.

Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park is one of New Zealand’s most popular free community fundraising events.

Show organisers are optimistic Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park in Christchurch can go ahead as planned, in line with government COVID guidelines around large events. But with the uncertainty around Auckland’s future COVID restrictions, organisers have made the difficult decision to cancel the event scheduled to be held on Saturday 11 December at the Auckland Domain.

Coca‑Cola NZ’s Annette Chillingworth says, “Of course, we’re extremely disappointed to cancel the Auckland show for the second year in a row. We delayed making this sad decision for as long as we could, however, we must consider the safety of everyone involved so of course, it’s the right thing to do. We’re really pleased to continue to plan for Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park in Christchurch scheduled for late November and the free-to-air TV broadcast of show highlights in December.”

Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park is an important fundraiser for Youthline. For the last fifteen years, funds raised at the two events have helped to support over 35,000 young people each year. The iconic outdoor Christmas concert, dubbed ‘the nation’s favourite Christmas party’, annually attracts a massive live audience to the Auckland Domain and Christchurch’s Hagley Park when friends, families and communities gather to celebrate the start of the Kiwi summer festive season.

The producers of the nation’s biggest free outdoor Christmas celebration are inviting talented newcomers to audition for the chance to be part of Coca‑Cola Christmas in the Park, now in its 28^th year.

Creative director Dixon Nacey and his team are looking for exciting new talent to perform alongside some of New Zealand’s biggest acts at the two outdoor events in Christchurch and Auckland later this year.

Dixon encourages aspiring young performers to audition for the iconic show saying, “This is a unique opportunity for young performers to work with some of the country’s best, in front of a massive live audience, so if you think you’ve got what it takes, put your hand up and give it a go!”

Annette Chillingworth of Coca‑Cola NZ says, “It’s exciting to be able to offer talented young performers the chance to audition for a show that has launched the career of many young Kiwi entertainers.”

Motivated performers are encouraged to apply online to audition. Successful applicants will be invited to attend the audition workshops being held next month in Auckland and Christchurch.

If you have what it takes to share the stage with some of New Zealand’s biggest stars, check out www.christmasinthepark.co.nz and click on AUDITIONS for more information.