Christmas carnival to celebrate High Street upgrade
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Christmas is coming early to High Street as Hutt City Council puts on a carnival to celebrate the completion of upgrade works for the traditional shopping centre of Lower Hutt.
The Hutt News High Street Christmas Carnival will be on Saturday, November 29, from 1-3pm, to coincide with the annual Christmas Parade, which will run immediately after the carnival.
Among the activities will be performances on the dance stage, such as swing dancing with Full Swing; the Wellington Rock ‘n Roll Revival Club; the Hutt City Dance Centre performing an item from its latest production, Alice; the Kotuku Choir performing a variety of songs, including a Samoan sasa; and the Kerry School of Irish Dancing. Bands Shindig, The Lunch Box Boys, Special Sauce and Hikoikoi, gypsy music duo Jacob and Jake, and Leo Barnett will also be performing. There will be street performers, face painters, food and a sausage sizzle. Radio personality Nick Tansley will MC during the afternoon and sing some Christmas carols.
Contractors have been working on the High Street upgrade since late July. They have widened the footpaths and laid high quality granite pavers to create flexibility for street activities and a more pedestrian-friendly environment. New street furniture has been installed to allow pedestrians to relax, and cycle stands encourage cycling in the CBD.
The council has invested $1.4 million in the upgrade.
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive David Kiddey says the upgrade has provided a boost to the CBD.
“The fresh, new look and the design will encourage more retailers into the CBD and will provide the flexibility for more cafes and restaurants to occupy the open spaces,” David says. “It will also attract street events and market days that we expect to boost visitor numbers to the CBD.”