New Years Eve In the Square: CANCELLED

Advisory: New Year’s eve concert cancellation

Palmerston North City’s Celebrate 2012 free New Year’s Eve event in the Square has been cancelled due to poor weather forecasted for the region and across the country.
The free event was to feature two countdowns this year as part of a festive line-up that included music and entertainment for the whole family.
Saturday’s forecast is for rain, possibly heavy with thunderstorms, and gusty southeasterlies. Safety concerns and costs associated with staging the event means the call has had to be made in advance of the day itself.
The Metservice has issued a severe weather outlook for much of the country through to Monday 2 January, 2012. Holidaymakers and those returning to the region are advised to take caution when travelling.
Destination Manawatu Events Coordinator Shelly Deegan said it is likely there will be rain on the night, and the organisation has been reluctant to cancel.
“New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate and have fun,” Mrs Deegan said. “But more important than that, is to ensure that people are safe. The Square when wet, becomes muddy and slippery, and with wind added to the mix, there are potential hazards for performers.”
She said there are significant costs associated with waiting until the day to call off the event.
“We can hope for the best, but if it doesn’t come – and the forecast is not great – we can save costs by making the call now. We’d like to wish people celebrating at home or at other venues in the city, a very happy and safe New Year. Much of the country will be doing their best to keep dry, but we can at least be confident that good weather is coming our way next week.”

For enquiries and more information, please contact karen@lancewoodevents.co.nz.