A nod to Band Rotunda's past at Xmas in the Park
“This year we’ll also have 360-sound, right around the Band Rotunda. Wherever you sit you will get the same sound.”
Let us take you through a bit of a history lesson before we get to the 2024 Xmas in the Park link.
On October 28 in 1928, the Band Rotunda in Invercargill was officially opened by the then Mayor John Miller.
It was constructed in the memory of the bandsmen who died in the Great War 1914-1918.
Trustees of the Dominion Band donated £300, and the council added a similar amount.
The base of the memorial was initially constructed and columns added in 1934. That was before the Invercargill Licensing Trust provided funds to put a roof on the Band Rotunda in 1954.
In recent years Blair Savory - of MASSAV Productions - has organised an annual Xmas in the Park event at Queens Park.
He previously set up a temporary stage adjacent to the Band Rotunda for the musicians to perform from.
However, in a nod to the memory of those fallen bandsmen from the Great War, all of this year’s musicians will instead perform to the crowd from inside the Band Rotunda on Sunday.
“Xmas in the Park has grown, it’s bigger. So, without the stage, and having the performances in the Band Rotunda, we are actually utilising the whole space,” Savory said.
“This year we’ll also have 360-sound, right around the Band Rotunda. Wherever you sit you will get the same sound.”
Fittingly, one of the key figures in the construction of the Band Rotunda all those decades ago - the Invercargill Licensing Trust - is also a key figure in making the 2024 Xmas in the Park happen through its funding.
ILT President Paddy O’Brien said ILT is proud to have been supporters of Xmas in the Park since it began.
“It’s great to see how it’s become such an important part of Invercargill’s festive season.
“Knowing that it caters to all ages and remains free for everyone to enjoy feels especially meaningful this year, given the challenges many are facing.
“We’re glad that our funding can help make this event possible for our community.”
Another organisation with strong historic ties to the south - SBS Bank - has also helped ensure the free Xmas in the Park community event will go ahead again in 2024.
SBS Bank Partnerships Manager Andrew Moreton said SBS Bank was delighted to support Xmas in the Park.
“We are looking forward to being part of a really cool family-friendly day with heaps of entertainment happening throughout the day,” Moreton said.
Others who have rallied to support the event include More FM, the Invercargill City Council, ILT Foundation, and Community Trust South.
Once again, this year Xmas in the Park will be supporting the Still Mums Charity who are actively involved in the event, organising over 30 market stalls for people to enjoy and raise funds for their charity.
There will again be a dedicated kids’ entertainment area organised by XO Church and their passion always ensures a great day out for the young ones.
A diverse selection of Southland’s best food trucks will be available to cater for everyone throughout the day.
For Savory, his personal passion is music, and he says Xmas in the Park is also about celebrating and shining a light on Southland musicians.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes The Diagonals, Oli Cameron, Lachie Hayes, Kayla Mahon and Simon Thompson, Highland Storm, Arun O’Connor, The Ensemble and Friends with Ascot Park Brass Band, and El Scratcho.
Xmas in the Park will start at 12 on Sunday and run through to 6.30pm.
This is a sponsored article published by arrangement.
