Latest news with #SarahMillican
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Wellington's Summer Of Events Delivers $15.9 Million Economic Benefit To The Capital
Press Release – WellingtonNZ Newly released figures highlight the positive impact of the citys summer schedule of major, regional and performance events Wellington's event line-up took centre stage throughout the summer months, delivering an estimated $15.9 million of visitor spend through its diverse programme of events. Summertime calendar highlights including Jim Beam Homegrown, Māoriland Film Festival and Toast Martinborough drew impressive crowds, and sports action including BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS cricket matches and the NZ Breakers basketball game proved popular with local, out of region and international visitors. Adding to the city's vibrant arts and music scene were five sold-out comedy shows at the Michael Fowler Centre featuring Sarah Millican, Paul Smith, and Jack Whitehall, three sold-out Graham Norton shows, Groove Armada at TSB Arena, and the launch of the St James and Opera House theatre tours. Between December 2024 and March 2025, Wellington hosted 72 events spanning major, regional and performance events, resulting in 211,686 people taking to the region over that period. Heidi Morton, WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences General Manager, says: 'Events bring vibrancy, liveliness and atmosphere to Wellington for both locals and visitors – and this summer was no exception. Featuring a fusion of sports, festivals, music and arts events in the calendar, there was something for everyone this season. 'These impressive results endorse the capital's major events strategic framework delivered by WellingtonNZ, working in partnership with the events sector to maximise the economic, reputational and social outcomes to the region. The accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors have all seen a benefit from the breadth of events that have taken place over the last few months.' Recent research figures have revealed that 90% of locals agreed that hosting events makes Wellington a great place to live. 'Events don't just fill calendars – they ignite civic pride and bring communities together. Wellingtonians are strong supporters of our events schedule and it's important that continues,' says Heidi. While summer remains a key season, WellingtonNZ's events teams recognise the broader impact of events and actively secure a vibrant, diverse line-up to keep the city's calendar thriving year-round. This autumn and winter, the city welcomes an eclectic schedule including NZ International Comedy Festival, Kia Mau Festival, a series of All Blacks and Black Ferns matches, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, Dracula's: Sanctuary, and Mamma Mia – an exclusive to Wellington. For more information about WellingtonNZ's events programme or to secure tickets, visit Notes: Wellington's Major Events, Regional Events and Performance Events between December 2024 and March 2025 wrap-up estimated figures: 72 events in total hosted across the region 211,686 total attendance $15.9 million visitor spend 102,736 bed nights 88% average guest satisfaction About WellingtonNZ: WellingtonNZ's purpose is to make the Wellington region thrive as a place to live, visit, study, work, do business, and invest. The organisation's mission is to create a thriving region for all; with more businesses succeeding and employing more people, more people participating in and attending events and experiences, and supporting more collaboration and engagement across the region. WellingtonNZ supports businesses to build capability, attracting, hosting and investing in events, running civic venues, marketing and storytelling, and destination development. The organisation receives funding from Wellington City Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Central Government, and a range of private sector partners.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Wellington's Summer Of Events Delivers $15.9 Million Economic Benefit To The Capital
Wellington's event line-up took centre stage throughout the summer months, delivering an estimated $15.9 million of visitor spend through its diverse programme of events. Summertime calendar highlights including Jim Beam Homegrown, Māoriland Film Festival and Toast Martinborough drew impressive crowds, and sports action including BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS cricket matches and the NZ Breakers basketball game proved popular with local, out of region and international visitors. Adding to the city's vibrant arts and music scene were five sold-out comedy shows at the Michael Fowler Centre featuring Sarah Millican, Paul Smith, and Jack Whitehall, three sold-out Graham Norton shows, Groove Armada at TSB Arena, and the launch of the St James and Opera House theatre tours. Between December 2024 and March 2025, Wellington hosted 72 events spanning major, regional and performance events, resulting in 211,686 people taking to the region over that period. Heidi Morton, WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences General Manager, says: 'Events bring vibrancy, liveliness and atmosphere to Wellington for both locals and visitors – and this summer was no exception. Featuring a fusion of sports, festivals, music and arts events in the calendar, there was something for everyone this season. 'These impressive results endorse the capital's major events strategic framework delivered by WellingtonNZ, working in partnership with the events sector to maximise the economic, reputational and social outcomes to the region. The accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors have all seen a benefit from the breadth of events that have taken place over the last few months.' Recent research figures have revealed that 90% of locals agreed that hosting events makes Wellington a great place to live. 'Events don't just fill calendars – they ignite civic pride and bring communities together. Wellingtonians are strong supporters of our events schedule and it's important that continues,' says Heidi. While summer remains a key season, WellingtonNZ's events teams recognise the broader impact of events and actively secure a vibrant, diverse line-up to keep the city's calendar thriving year-round. This autumn and winter, the city welcomes an eclectic schedule including NZ International Comedy Festival, Kia Mau Festival, a series of All Blacks and Black Ferns matches, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, Dracula's: Sanctuary, and Mamma Mia - an exclusive to Wellington. For more information about WellingtonNZ's events programme or to secure tickets, visit Notes: Wellington's Major Events, Regional Events and Performance Events between December 2024 and March 2025 wrap-up estimated figures: 72 events in total hosted across the region 211,686 total attendance $15.9 million visitor spend 102,736 bed nights 88% average guest satisfaction About WellingtonNZ: WellingtonNZ's purpose is to make the Wellington region thrive as a place to live, visit, study, work, do business, and invest. The organisation's mission is to create a thriving region for all; with more businesses succeeding and employing more people, more people participating in and attending events and experiences, and supporting more collaboration and engagement across the region. WellingtonNZ supports businesses to build capability, attracting, hosting and investing in events, running civic venues, marketing and storytelling, and destination development. The organisation receives funding from Wellington City Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Central Government, and a range of private sector partners.
The Province
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Comedian Sarah Millican brings new show to Vancouver
Q-and-A with award-winning English comic ahead of Late Bloomer comedy tour stop in Vancouver Comedian Sarah Millican returns to Vancouver with her new stand up tour Bobby Dazzler. Tickets for the Oct. 28 Vancouver Playhouse show go on sale April 29 at 10 a.m. Photo credit: Courtesy of JFL Photo by Courtesy of JFL / PNG Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors When: April 26, 8 p.m. Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, UBC Tickets/info: English comic Sarah Millican launched into the highly competitive global comedy scene in 2008 after winning the best newcomer comedy award at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A mere five years later, Millican was listed as one of the 100 most powerful women in the U.K. by Radio 4's Women's Hour program and appearing regularly on radio, television and theatre stages. Frequently veering far beyond social norms, her razor-sharp observations of gender relations had less to do with traditional relationship routines and far more to do with the kind of behaviours that grind the sexes into mush. Her peeling laugh and friendly smile hid a surprisingly dark, and hilarious, biting wit behind them. Having last toured North America with her sixth standup show titled Bobby Dazzler, Millican is back with her latest creation, Late Bloomer. The run of 100-plus performances on the world tour brings her to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre at UBC on April 26. Millican answered some questions about the new show and her brand of mirth-making. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Postmedia: What is Late Bloomer about? Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer is about me. About 12-year-old me and 49-year-old me, and what has changed in the intervening 37 years. It's also possibly about you, if you also had a handbag at the age of 9. Q: Late Bloomer sees you performing in a venue five times larger than you played on your previous trip to Vancouver, and your website has a photo of you performing to 12,000 people in Perth, Australia last month. Is there a difference telling jokes in arenas? A: I'm quite new to arenas and wasn't sure if I'd like them, but I love them! They feel surprisingly intimate. There are screens that show my big face, which means everyone can see facial expressions but also that I have to pluck my moustache at, like, 7:55 p.m. to make sure I get them all. Q: From Taskmaster to QI, Would I Lie to You? to the Chase and so many radio programs, it seems that the media landscape for U.K. comics is so well developed. Do you think this is a win or lose situation for developing standup skills? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A: I like doing television very much, but I don't think it helps you develop standup skills. The only way to do that is get on stage, all of the stages, over and over and over again. Standup is my love. All of the other things are fun, but mostly to get people to come and see you do standup. Q: How much do you think being a Geordie (from the Tyneside region) influences your comedy? It often seems that the further North you go in the U.K., the funnier — and often, darker — folks become? A: I think there is definitely a Northern sense of humour. But luckily it translates around the world! I'm pretty sure I learned how to tell a story when I lived at home with my family. And there are definitely some words that sound funnier in my accent like 'monkey' and 'photocopier'. Still haven't managed to get them both in the same joke though. Some day. Q: Who are some of your favourite comics and why? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A: Some of the funniest people I've seen are Canadian comics: Debra DiGiovanni, Mike Wilmot, John Hastings, Steph Tolev and Mark Forward. They all make me hoot with laughter and be jealous of their jokes. Q: Where do you like to eat when you are in Vancouver? A: I will try to get poutine. As I don't like cheese curds, I need to go somewhere they won't throw me out for asking for poutine without the cheese curds, which is essentially chips and gravy, which is pretty Geordie in itself. Also, you have my favourite type of food here, which is 'huge portions'. sderdeyn@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Homes Vancouver Whitecaps News Vancouver Canucks
