Lakeside concert bigger than ever

Frankie Stevens (left), Eddie Low and John Rowles will be presenting this year's Lakeside concert. Photo/File

Lakeside organisers are preparing for a knock-out show this weekend.

The annual Lakeside concert returns for its 18th year on Saturday with performances by Sol3 Mio, Jackie Clarke, Diamond Divas, Lizzie Marvelly and others.

The event, with the catch phrase, The Bald, the Blind and the Beautiful, will be presented by Kiwi music icons Frankie Stevens, Eddie Low and John Rowles.

Event director Monty Morrison said this year's concert will be better than ever.

"Each year we try to come up with ways to make the show different, more unique.

"I can tell you this year's going to be a goodie," he said.

Mr Morrison said concert-goers could expect to see "shows within a show".

Part of the night will be dedicated to showcasing local talent with a Rotorua's Got Talent section.

This will feature local singers Olein Ona, Alayna Powley and New Zealand's Got Talent contestant Kylee Waaka.

Another section of the show will feature national artists and it will all wrap up with a full-cast performance of Pokarekare Ana, followed by a spectacular fireworks display about 10.20pm.

Lizzie Marvelly fans will get to see the local singer perform her recently-released single Generation Young.

Mr Morrison believes Lakeside is one of New Zealand's leading outdoor variety shows, rivalling Auckland's Christmas in the Park.

"It's gained a huge reputation over the years and has to be one of the longest running musical events in the country."

He said tickets for the area at the front of the stage, available from Ticketmaster at the Rotorua Convention Centre, had been selling fast.

He encouraged people to get tickets for the area, which meant they could get a better view of the artists when they perform.

"People should come to Lakeside because they'll get to see the best classical, contemporary and Maori artists the country has to offer."

For more information visit

www.rotorualakesideconcert.co.nz.