Weather gods join the party - Stuff

Happy New Year in The Square

MATHEW GROCOTT

WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Lawrence May and Debiie Paulson-Wilson celebrate New Year's Eve in the traditional manner in The Square.

If you were a kid seeing in the new year in The Square last night, chances are you were either dancing your feet off or bopping your friend on the head.

Unlike 12 months ago, when the city's New Year's Eve concert had to be cancelled, the weather co-operated in Palmerston North with 1500 to 2000 people turning out.

Up the front of the crowd were dozens of enthusiastic youngsters, and some more-mature folk dancing away to the live music.

Down among the food stands at the back, which ranged from hot chips and hot dogs to noodles and churros, kids were more likely to be chasing each other with inflatable swords and clubs.

While children playfighting would not have concerned them, police reported few problems at The Square during the concert.

They were, however, kept busy in other parts of the city with several reports of fighting, disorder and teenagers drinking.

"It seemed pretty good in The Square, it was the rest of the town that was the problem," Senior Sergeant Brett Calkin said.

Mr Calkin said there was a steady stream of people being brought into the cells, with most incidents alcohol related.

In The Square all eyes were turned upwards at midnight as the fireworks display was deployed from the roof of the Palmerston North City Council chambers.

But before then there was a feeling of looking back with a concert inspired by the 1960s.

Those who saw in the new year in The Square were looking back at the 60s as much as they were looking forward to 2013.

Performers, including Dirt Box Charlie and Soul Collective, played a range of originals as well as 60s songs in keeping with the concert's theme.

Non-musical entertainment was in the form of Highly Flammable, a troupe of fire dancers, and at times fire eaters, from Wellington.

Following that group's performance, a special countdown was held for kids at 9.30pm with its own fireworks display on a smaller scale.

Among those enjoying the show was Ngaruawahia chief fire officer Marty Kampman, who had come to Palmerston North with his wife Felicity for New Year's and to visit his daughters. "We've been here for New Year's before and loved it, you've got an excellent facility here [in The Square]."

Mr Kampman said it was great to see so many young people and families enjoying the event, saying the concert had a more relaxed vibe than it might do in Hamilton.

As for new year resolutions Mr Kampman said his goal was to "slow down a bit" and appreciate life more.

"I want to smell the roses."

- ? Fairfax NZ News

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/8133987/Weather-gods-join-the-party

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