12 wonderful nights in Masterton

VIBRANT: Siblings Prathna Patel, 5, (left) and Hriday Patel, 7, of the Bollywood dancers from Douglas Park School.

Masterton's 12 Nights of Christmas went 'way, way above expectations,' says councillor Gary Caffell.

Organised by the Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council, the series of events in Masterton's town square, which benefited from flawless weather, ran from December 13 to Christmas Eve, 6.30pm to 8pm each night, with an accompanying Santa's Grotto in the Times-Age building.

Crowds in their hundreds came down in the evenings to enjoy concerts, dancing, talent shows and theatre sports.

Christmas Eve, which was the only offday for weather, featured a church service and Christmas carols and was fortunately scheduled for the Town Hall.

The penultimate night featured Bollywood dancing with students from Douglas Park School, plus dancing displays from the Indian and Filipino communities.

Mr Caffell said the concept was the best thing that had happened in Masterton in years.

"It was something really special. It's shown our town square is absolutely suitable for these types of events."

Mr Caffell said Masterton District Council is already talking about having another summer event in the square, using local talent.

"To be honest, I thought we would average a 100 people, but we were getting huge crowds," he said.

The town hall had always been a backup if the weather had gone sour.

"To get 11 nights straight off, I think someone was looking over us."