THE ASB Gardens Magic Concert Series will celebrate 30 years in business this summer.
The free musical event, which started in 1980 and was simply called Summer City, was originally held in the dell at the Botanic Garden.
The programme then included a frog puppet troupe, comedy shows, a choir and outdoor feature movies to name but a few events on offer.
The summer concerts are now held annually in the Sound Shell. This year, 21 Wellington musicians will feature over 21 nights begining January 10.
“On the first night we’re doing a bit of a sneak peak back to 1980, and the Beat Girls (who have been involved with Summer City events since 1996) will perform 80s music,” says organiser Rita Francis. “It’s certainly grown over the years, but it can’t grow too much more because the venue can hold a maximum of 4,500 people.”
Francis says it’s the biggest outdoor summer celebration she knows of in New Zealand, and they endeavour to keep the bands fresh each year.
“There’s no one this year who played last year. There’s so much Wellington talent out there we like to give everyone an opportunity,” she says. “We’ve tried to put music on that will appeal to all ages and backgrounds, so that everyone can find at least one night they want to come to.”
Francis says although each night kicks off at 8pm, Wellingtonians often take advantage of the summer sun and have a picnic on the grass beforehand, which also gives them the opportunity to secure the best spot for the show.
Local lighting visionary Mike Farrand will transform the Sound Shell into a multi-coloured lit large-scale extravaganza.
Expect solid Wellington artists such as Harbour City Electrics, The Thomas Oliver Band, Jess Chambers and Hikoikoi.
More information about Wellington City Council’s Summer City Festival, visit www.feelinggreat.co.nz.
ASB Gardens Magic Concert Series, Botanic Garden Sound Shell, 8pm, 10-31 January.