Thousands of people have turned out for Lakeside 2018. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER
A celebration of Rotorua entertainers has kicked off with a bang - and a superhero.
Lakeside 2018 Whenua #itsallabouthome has drawn thousands of people, chairs and picnic blankets in tow, to watch local performers show off their talent.
Despite a few spots of rain, the weather held out for the start of the show.
A rousing pohiri welcomed the performers and kicked off the show, followed by a song and haka from the Ohinemutu Cultural Group.
Emcee for the evening, television and radio personality Stacey Morrison, was introduced via a Mission Impossible/ Wonder Woman sketch that had the crowd laughing along.
Describing Rotorua as the entertainment capital of Aotearoa, Morrison then went on to introduce the night's first performer, singer Kelly Makiha.
Makiha belted out a rendition of Brooke Fraser's
Something in the Water
, before making way for local legends Cairo.
The 80s rockers put on a lively show that would have induced plenty of nostalgia from fans.
There is plenty of entertainment still to come, as well as a fireworks display to close off the night.
The hīkoi is expected to arrive at Parliament around midday.