Festive celebrations in Kawerau on Saturday

Organizers of the Bay of Plenty's biggest Christmas showcase are preparing for a full on day of festive fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Kawerau Christmas in the park will showcase an array of entertainment including some of the Bay of Plenty's and New Zealand's most successful and well known musical talents.

Over 30,000 people are expected to dawn on Prideaux park on Saturday to join in on the festive celebrations this weekend.

The day begins with the Kawerau Santa Parade featuring local community groups and organizations taking to the main street of Kawerau on inspirational floats of all shapes and sizes.

After lunch the Radio 1xx Community Christmas Concert kicks off at Prideaux Park with a stellar line up of the Bay of Plenty's finest and most talented performers before the headline show from 7pm featuring some of New Zealand's top performers including New Zealand reggae band 1814 accompanied by Russell Harrison, Sharon Emirali, Alisha Fai’Hulton, Haylee Nitschke and local musicians The Tait Kora Band and teen sensation Cameron Rota before a 'massive' fire works display to cap off the night.

Kawerau District Council Events Coordinator Lee Barton says Prideaux Park will be filled to the brim with festive fun and celebration for the whole family this Saturday.

"The day is going to be a good one with a fine forecast for Saturday and one of the best showcase's of entertainment so far for Kawerau Christmas in the Park in recent years." He says.

"We also have some of the country's top amusements rides, sideshows and food vendors for all ages and tastes on offer this weekend."

Organizers of this years event would like to remind everyone this is a family focused event with no drugs, alcohol or gang regalia permitted into the venue.

For more information visit www.kawerauchristmasinthepark.co.nz