Lakeside's biggest fireworks show

The biggest fireworks display Lakeside has seen will light up Rotorua's sky tonight as part of the concert's 20th celebrations.

More than 500 aerial fireworks will explode above the Village Green alongside lots of "smaller mid-level fireworks" as part of the show finale, according to pyrotechnic effects manager Martin Van Tiel.

Mr Van Tiel has been in charge of the fireworks since Lakeside began, and said tonight's fireworks would be the biggest display at Lakeside.

This year's concert, dubbed Symphony, is a return to the concert's roots featuring the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, internationally renowned conductor Guy Noble alongside stars including Simon O'Neill, Anna Leese and Elisha Hulton.

Also performing are Jackie Clarke, the Dust Palace Circus and the Edward Brothers.

Rotorua Lakeside Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward said Rotorua was in for a fantastic night of entertainment.

"The orchestra rehearsal [yesterday] was nothing short of outstanding. The artists are all on a wonderful high and really looking forward to making it a very special evening."

The show begins at 7.30pm with entertainment from 5.15pm.

Mr Edward said it was BYO so people could bring their own food and alcohol, but said it was a family event so people needed to be aware of that.

He said low seating was essential and reminded people to be considerate of those around them.

Food and drink would also be on sale at the site.

Mr Edward said there would be some road closures and people needed to be mindful that the stretch of Lake Rd from the Rangiuru St roundabout to Ranolf St would be closed.

This year the stage location has been changed and the stage will be in the corner by the old Pizza Hut.

Today's forecast is for a high of 24C. Entry to the concert is free.