Latest news with #StarsinYourEyes
Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Show aims to raise funds for musical playground
For its 31st year, Wānaka's Stars in Your Eyes show is fundraising to help build the town's first musical playground. The musical show, organised by Wānaka Musicians Incorporated, began three decades ago and took inspiration from the British television series, Stars in Their Eyes. Wānaka's version of the show is not a contest but has consisted of locals dressing up to imitate famous people and later reveal their real identity to the audience. Audition registrations recently opened in preparation for the musical show to be held towards the end of September. The show has been a community favourite and has helped fund youth music programmes across the region, such as the Jamie Robertson scholarship at Mount Aspiring College. This year organisers have decided to aim for something different by planning to create a designated outdoor space into town for people of all ages to enjoy musical instruments. Chairwoman Janet Dolan said they had always given money to local music education but this year they wanted to do something the whole community could enjoy. "We're talking about a full musical playground that adults, children, families, anybody can play," she said. "There'll be percussion instruments, there'll be bells, there'll be keyboard, and it's all outside." The group already had $30,000 put aside for the playground and was working with the council to get an estimate of costs and find the right location. Currently the show is gathering interest from the community and will be holding its auditions on the weekend of June 14. Ms Dolan said as the town's population grew, a more diverse range of people had been auditioning, something she felt gave the show strength. "We're aware that the audience represents the whole of Wānaka so we don't just want the pop music sort of thing, we want something that appeals to the whole audience," she said. The show has been open to a range of abilities and welcomed experienced and first-time performers. The show's team has also experienced a change with local musician and Festival of Colour performer Anna Shaw taking over as the director. The opening night for the musical show is set to be September 24 and will run until September 27 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.
Western Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Haverfordwest Carnival set to return after six-year absence
Haverfordwest Carnival last took to the streets of the county town in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic which then saw all big events put on hold. But hopes are high that 2025 will once again welcome the colourful Haverfordwest Carnival, with a return to its glory days of floats, bands and a host of walking entries. The Pirates of Prendergast starred in the 2018 carnival. (Image: Western Telegraph) Pure West Radio and Haverfordwest Town Council have teamed up to stage the event this summer – on a date to be decided - and are now seeking the views of the public on the carnival theme, preferred day and how people would like to support. More Stories Pure West Radio announced the exciting plans on Facebook, where they said: ' It's been 6 years Carnival is BACK for 2025! "We are teaming up with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back the legendary Haverfordwest carnival, and we would love to hear your views. "From day, to themes, to fancy dress, and vendors, let us know your thoughts and ideas here, A floral float from days gone by. (Image: Susan Van De Capelle)The news gained a delighted response. "Growing up, the carnival was the highlight of the summer, the town would be packed, all of the pubs would be full and it was a good day/night out," said Emma Flan. "So happy to see it coming back and I really hope everyone gets involved." And Michelle Dukes added: "Brilliant news, the town definitely needs something like this." While Lucy Lulu Eagles recalled: "I love the carnival! Used to look forward to it every year with the kids, to hear the lovely sound of the band then knowing the floats would follow." A fire engine leads the 2019 carnival parade through Haverfordwest. (Image: Haverfordwest Town Council) One Haverfordwest Carnival to remember was the 2006 event, with post-procession festivities taking place on the carnival's original home of the Picton Playing Fields Organised by Haverfordwest Round Table, the carnival entertainment featured a Queen tribute act and a junior Stars in Your Eyes competition. The 2018 carnival saw a big revival after an absence of several years and took a maritime theme in line with the Visit Wales 'Year of the Sea' campaign. Floats also made a return to the procession and despite the wet weather, crowds of people turned out to watch the carnival parade from County Hall, up through High Street, and back down Barn Street before it made its way to the Bridge Meadow. Flower power in the sunshine at the 2019 event. (Image: Haverfordwest Town Council) There was a change of day for the 2019 carnival, as it was staged on a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week in July. By contrast to the previous year's weather, the event enjoyed a day of sunshine. And although the public can't choose the weather for the 2025 Haverfordwest Carnival, people's thoughts and ideas for the occasion are being very much welcomed, via the survey form, linked above.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Legendary' Pembrokeshire carnival returning to town after six-year absence
An old-established Pembrokeshire carnival that has been absent from the summer scene for six years is all set to make a return for 2025. Haverfordwest Carnival last took to the streets of the county town in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic which then saw all big events put on hold. But hopes are high that 2025 will once again welcome the colourful Haverfordwest Carnival, with a return to its glory days of floats, bands and a host of walking entries. The Pirates of Prendergast starred in the 2018 carnival. (Image: Western Telegraph) Pure West Radio and Haverfordwest Town Council have teamed up to stage the event this summer – on a date to be decided - and are now seeking the views of the public on the carnival theme, preferred day and how people would like to support. Pure West Radio announced the exciting plans on Facebook, where they said: ' It's been 6 years Carnival is BACK for 2025! "We are teaming up with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back the legendary Haverfordwest carnival, and we would love to hear your views. "From day, to themes, to fancy dress, and vendors, let us know your thoughts and ideas here, A floral float from days gone by. (Image: Susan Van De Capelle)The news gained a delighted response. "Growing up, the carnival was the highlight of the summer, the town would be packed, all of the pubs would be full and it was a good day/night out," said Emma Flan. "So happy to see it coming back and I really hope everyone gets involved." And Michelle Dukes added: "Brilliant news, the town definitely needs something like this." While Lucy Lulu Eagles recalled: "I love the carnival! Used to look forward to it every year with the kids, to hear the lovely sound of the band then knowing the floats would follow." A fire engine leads the 2019 carnival parade through Haverfordwest. (Image: Haverfordwest Town Council) One Haverfordwest Carnival to remember was the 2006 event, with post-procession festivities taking place on the carnival's original home of the Picton Playing Fields Organised by Haverfordwest Round Table, the carnival entertainment featured a Queen tribute act and a junior Stars in Your Eyes competition. The 2018 carnival saw a big revival after an absence of several years and took a maritime theme in line with the Visit Wales 'Year of the Sea' campaign. Floats also made a return to the procession and despite the wet weather, crowds of people turned out to watch the carnival parade from County Hall, up through High Street, and back down Barn Street before it made its way to the Bridge Meadow. Flower power in the sunshine at the 2019 event. (Image: Haverfordwest Town Council) There was a change of day for the 2019 carnival, as it was staged on a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week in July. By contrast to the previous year's weather, the event enjoyed a day of sunshine. And although the public can't choose the weather for the 2025 Haverfordwest Carnival, people's thoughts and ideas for the occasion are being very much welcomed, via the survey form, linked above.
