Kiwi rock group Elemeno P has been confirmed as the headline act for Rotorua's New Year's Eve celebration – GLO Festival.
The energetic pop rock powerhouse will conclude a full evening of free family-friendly entertainment at the Village Green and count in the New Year as fireworks explode around the stage.
Dave Gibson. Photo/Supplied
Elemeno P burst on to the New Zealand rock scene in the early 2000s with a string of massive hits and a triple platinum selling number 1 album. Their infectious anthems include Verona, Every Day's A Saturday, Baby Come On, 11:57 and Fast Times in Tahoe. They quickly became one of the nation's favourites winning a New Zealand Music Award in 2006 for Best Group.
After following individual projects the group is back together eight years on for a New Zealand summer tour culminating in the Rotorua New Year's Eve show.
Lead vocalist Dave Gibson said he was looking forward to sharing the group's signature sound with fans old and new.
"This is the first time ever playing in Rotorua and we can't think of a better place to bring in 2018 than with the good people of Rotorua" he said. "It's a bit like a family reunion for us, we hope everyone has been brushing up on the lyrics – we sure have."
Elemeno P.
Rotorua Lakes Council arts and culture manager Stewart Brown said he was excited to have such a great headline act.
"It will be a perfect end to a fantastic night. The first half of the evening is designed for younger families with a kids' movie on the big screen and fun entertainment on the stage, before the first fireworks spectacular over the lake. After that we crank it up a notch with a DJ before Elemeno P take to the stage and play the night through until midnight."
Justyn Pilbrow from Elemeno P. Photo/Blake de la Rocha Streetwise Media
Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic from 6pm. McMahons Amusements will be available with a range of rides and inflatables. There will also be a free Kids GLO Zone with funky lighting and disco under the trees.
A group of lucky fans will have an opportunity to meet the group backstage before the show as part of a competition run in conjunction with The Hits 97.5.
The six winners will receive a range of Elemeno P merchandise and $100 to spend on food during the evening. They will also be on stage to launch the fireworks at midnight. To enter visit www.thehits.co.nz.
GLO FESTIVAL December 31, Village Green 6.30pm: Kids' movie followed by local performers. 9.15pm: First fireworks display 9.40pm: Local DJ then Elemeno P. Event is alcohol-free and a range of food will be available.
GLO Festival is generously supported by Rotorua Lakes Council, First Sovereign Trust Limited, Four Winds Foundation, Flava, Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits.
