Spirit of Christmas shared at stadium

Rainbow Rosalind entertains the crowd at a Christmas in the Stadium event at Forsyth Barr Stadium...
Rainbow Rosalind entertains the crowd at a Christmas in the Stadium event at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. PHOTOS: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Hundreds of families flocked to Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday for a free fun day to start the festive season.

Aria Dow (3) dances to Rainbow Rosalind’s singing.
Aria Dow (3) dances to Rainbow Rosalind’s singing.
The Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust runs not only Saturday’s successful Christmas in the Stadium but also the Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner, held at the Dunedin Town Hall on Christmas Day.

Trust member Anne Hardy said increased engagement through social media had resulted in the trust gaining support from about 200 volunteers on Saturday, double those last year.

People had reconnected with traditional family values earlier in the year during the Covid-19 lockdown, and she believed that spirit was also being reflected at the event.

"It was a great day.

"We’re overjoyed. We’re really, really happy," she said.

The earlier lockdown had also helped people appreciate the enjoyment of making wider social connections again.

About 3900 people, including volunteers, had attended the event, which last year attracted about 4000 people.

About 2000 children attended, enjoying a toy swap, creation stations, face painting, bands and a vast array of inflatable toys.

People relax at the stadium.
People relax at the stadium.

The trust’s activities are "designed to encourage goodwill, love and joy".

"We have a lot to be grateful for," Mrs Hardy said.

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