Kora to rock Taupō for Free RWC 2011 Finals concert

New Zealand Rock-Funk band Kora will headline a free concert in Taupō this Sunday 23 October as part of the town’s official RWC 2011 Licensed Fanzone. The Fanzone includes family activities and street entertainment from 2.00pm, prior to the live screening of the RWC 2011 Final match on the big screen at 9.00pm.

Punters will be able to enjoy the live match atmosphere of the RWC 2011 Final without leaving the district, with the official RWC 2011 Fanzone on Taupō’s Tuwharetoa Street. Part of the street will be closed off and will feature a licensed bar so rugby fans can watch free music, live Rugby and enjoy a drink at the same time.

District Events Manager, Nick Reader, says this is a rare opportunity to see Kora for free. “Kora has a massive following in New Zealand and this is actually the first time the guys have played Taupō. They will also be playing songs from their brand new album which is yet to be released. Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the countries best live acts for free.”

The Fanzone starts at 2.00pm with family activities including free face-painting, bouncy castle and a family friendly performance by renowned street entertainer ‘Mulletman’. The Quintessential New Zealand Concert starts at 3.00pm and features support bands Avadiva and Swamp Thing. The main act, Whakatane-based dub-style rockers Kora, start at 6.00pm, prior to the lead up to the RWC 2011 Final which kicks off at 9.00pm.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of the RWC 2011 Host Coordinating Committee, Mike Downard, says the free concert and afternoon’s entertainment will be a blast, especially coming off the back of the successful Family Friendly Fanzones at the Great Lake Centre. “The intention of Fanzones was to try and recreate the wonderful live match atmosphere you experience in the stadium. The Fanzones we have held at the Great Lake Centre have been awesome, with the community really getting behind them and enjoying the facilities on offer.”

“For the semi’s and Final we wanted to do something a little different, with an outdoor festival theme. Last weekend was awesome; I think Tuwharetoa Street is the perfect venue to celebrate the finale of what has been a wonderful Tournament.”