Don’t be late for a very important date – Elektra

Get the family together and finish off the school holidays on a bright note by taking a stroll through Alice’s Wonderland.

You’ll think you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole as Hāwera’s King Edward Park will be transformed for one night only on Friday 26 April for South Taranaki’s annual community Light Festival, Elektra.

South Taranaki District Council’s event co-ordinator Ella Tosland says this family-friendly event has plenty to offer for all ages.

“We cannot wait to host Elektra again,” says Ella. "We encourage families to come down and have a picnic tea (or buy something from one of our food trucks) and see the Park looking it’s finest all lit up for Elektra this year.”

The crowds will be well fed with a range of food trucks camping out between the stage and the lantern-filled trees, entertained by Mitch and His Guitar along with some wandering entertainment and face painting.

“Make sure that the kids discover the glow zone to find some ‘curiouser and curiouser’ surprises along the way.”

Elektra was created to replace the annual fireworks display, and has previously been held in October, which tended to be cooler and windy.

“This is always such a popular event, so we shifted the event to April and the end of the school holidays in the hope that the weather is still warm and more pleasant for people to attend.”

As part of our Happening Holidays Programme, children also have the opportunity to make crafts that will be showcased as part of the Festival. This session is being held on Thursday 18 April, at the Hawera Community Centre from 1 – 3pm.

Elektra’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – King Edward Park, Hāwera, Friday 26 April, 6-10pm