Christmas in Rocket Park ready for blast-off
A crowd of 4000 people is expected to spread Christmas cheer at the annual Christmas in Rocket Park in Mt Albert on November 27.
The free family event has been a highlight of the festive season for those living in the Mt Albert and surrounding communities for the past two years.
The event will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and feature a host of celebrities and performances, as well as carols by candlelight.
Breakfast show host Petra Bagust will once again act as the master of ceremonies for the event. Petra will be supported by children’s entertainer Suzy Cato - best known for hosting several children’s TV programmes - and rising young Kiwi singer/songwriter Luke Thompson.
Christmas in Rocket Park will also feature musician Chris Opie and the Carols Band, as well as performances from local schools and community groups.
Event organiser and Mount Albert Baptist Church lead pastor Jonathan Dove said the event had grown in popularity each year.
Mr Dove said: “Christmas in Rocket Park is all about fostering the goodwill and spirit of the community, as well as the opportunity to fundraise for some very worthy causes.”
Mr Dove said for the third year running all proceeds from Christmas in Rocket Park would go towards Mt Albert Plunket. The previous two year’s events have raised more than $10,000.
“We are extremely pleased that the event has continued to receive the support and backing from local businesses, such as Bayleys, as well as a team of volunteers who have spent months planning and organising the event.”
Christmas in Rocket Park’s lead sponsors are Bayleys Real Estate and Goodwin Property Management. Bayleys Inner West operations manager Catherine Goodwin said the company was committed to not only supporting this highly anticipated annual event, but also assisting the Mount Albert Baptist Church’s fundraising efforts.
“Goodwin Realty Limited has been a sponsor of the event since its inception, and when five of our Ray White branches were acquired by Bayleys in August, we were delighted to transition that sponsorship across to Bayleys.
“The values of the event – fostering community support and spirit – are those that we consider essential to the wellbeing of every community.”
Bayleys will be joined on the night by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's Guide Dog Services. As a principal sponsor of Guide Dog Services, money will be collected on the night through sales of soft toy guide dog puppies.
Mr Dove said that once again this year’s event would have coffee stalls on site. This year all proceeds will go towards building a water well for a village in Thailand.
“The water well will be the first step in an initial five-year plan we have to support this community,” he said.
“We hope to eventually raise enough money to put water wells into three to four villages, as well as improve sanitation and begin a local school.”
