Plans for annual Summerdaze festivities in Queenstown and Wanaka have gained approval from the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
The community focused festival has run in the district for the last eight years. It starts with New Year celebrations in both towns, and continues throughout January.
Its 2012 operational plan came before council's community services committee yesterday and was approved unanimously.
The festivities have an annual budget allocation of $130,000 and will be managed by EveNZ Consultancy for the period 2012 to 2015.
Outdoor events in Queenstown include New Year's Eve celebrations, entertainment on the Village Green and in Earnslaw Park throughout January, kite making and Chinese brush painting workshops, the "Summa Sk8 Session" and the Teddy Bears' Picnic.
It also acts as an umbrella for other established events, such as the Lake Hayes A and P Show and Challenge Wanaka.
Every year a new event is added to the programme, producing a range of community focused events.
QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said in her report the festival acted as "drawcard for visitors", especially the New Year celebrations.
