KEY POINTS:
Enthusiastic concert-goers withstood wind and rain to get prime front-row seats for Auckland's Christmas in the Park 10 hours before it started.
Last night's event was threatened with bad weather, but that didn't deter about 100,000 people keen to see stars such as Frankie Stevens perform at the Auckland Domain.
The concert, in its 13th year, was almost cancelled after Mitsubishi earlier withdrew its sponsorship.
Fans Frieda Thompson and Val Lyle were at the Auckland Domain at about 10.30 yesterday morning to secure their position.
"We do this every year, we do this for the symphony also, rain or shine," 72-year-old Thompson said.
"We have our morning tea, our lunch and our dinner."
She and her 71-year-old friend were set up with deck chairs, a tarpaulin, chilly bins and umbrellas. They read magazines and did Sudoku puzzles to pass the time.
"We love the music, we love the crowds, with everyone so happy," Thompson said.