Family Christmas Festival now a ‘feature’ of season

Ezra Thompson, 11, makes bubbles during the festival. Photos: Peter McIntosh
Ezra Thompson, 11, makes bubbles during the festival. Photos: Peter McIntosh
Families braved the torrential rain to attend the Oval’s Christmas celebrations in decent numbers on Saturday.

Family Christmas Festival co-organiser Richard Morley-John said it was an opportunity to offer families a host of mostly free entertainment during the stressful period before Christmas.

"For some of the families, it’s become a feature for their Christmas season.

"They know that it’s something they can take the children to and I think what’s really meaningful for us is that if there’s anyone who’s struggling at Christmas time to be able to put on something free, that can be a highlight for the children. That means a lot for us to be able to do that."

A good crowd attended the Christmas Festival at the Oval on Saturday, despite the weather.
A good crowd attended the Christmas Festival at the Oval on Saturday, despite the weather.
Mr Morley-John said there would have been a crowd of about 300 to 400 at the Oval, which was "very encouraging" considering the poor weather.

Among the attractions were a bouncy castle, egg-and-spoon races, face-painting and other family-oriented entertainment.

"It takes a while to put something like this on, but everyone involved has been fantastic, including the council."

He was "almost certain" that they would host an event like this next year.

matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz

 

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