Tonight’s family fireworks fizzle out

THE NEW Year Family Festival scheduled for this evening at the new Constitution Park has been cancelled.

The event was intended to be an opportunity for families to get together and enjoy entertainment including live music, movies and fireworks.

It was also hoped food stalls would be part of the event.

But Business Trade and Investment Board’s Plitz Napa said the organisation had been unable to get all the supporting partners needed to get the hoped-for activities scheduled.

“Because fireworks, music and other key components could not be secured and confirmed, it was decided to cancel the event,” Napa said.

However, the passing of 2016 tomorrow night will be celebrated at Muri Beach when Sails Restaurant marks its 25th year with a Shine Silver New Year’s Eve Party.

There will be live music, a gourmet dinner buffet, a DJ to party down to midnight and then the big countdown to the annual Fireworks over the Lagoon.

Entry to the Sails party is by wristband, which can be purchased now at Sails bar.

Manager Erin Quirke says anyone thinking about attending the celebration should buy their wristbands before the night because a limited number are available.

The fireworks show at Muri has been put on for the past 10 years and its organisation is swapped between Sails and the nearby Pacific Resort.

“We take turns,” Quirke says.

She says businesses in Muri contributed to the event and she wanted to thank the 15 sponsors of this year’s show.

They are Pacific Resort, Sails Restaurant & iSobar, Are Mango, Avis, Captain Tama’s, Koka Lagoon Tours, Muri Beach Club Hotel, Muri Beachcomber, Pacific Village Salon, Te Vakaroa, Crystal Blue, Te Vara Nui, Bluesky, LBV Cafe and Dr Uka.

An estimated 1000 people gather on the beach to watch the fireworks display.

Quirke says people should be mindful that they should not go down private driveways and, if driving, they should park at the local rugby field. And there is no drinking in public places, she adds.

“And people need to take their rubbish away with them.”

- Losirene Lacanivalu/ Richard Moore