Fruit Salad of Summer Events

DJ Dorothy, or Pendulum?

British live comedy, or Californian ska-punk rock?

How about all of the above? Plus racing royalty on the famous clay track at Baypark Speedway.

This summer, Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui has a gig guide full of big-name international entertainers with something for all ages and interests over the holiday season.

Grown-ups seeking some nostalgia can sing along to Santeria with Sublime with Rome during their last ever world tour, supported by Elemeno P and Goodshirt, and a week later the little ones can do the Hot Potato dance at The Wiggles Sound System Festival – featuring that groovy green dinosaur on the decks.

Drum and bass devotees looking for a big party on New Year’s Eve will find it at Famous Last Words, which is returning after two sold-out years with Pendulum (DJ set) headlining, alongside Mozey, Justin Hawkes, and Ruth Royall.

Lovers of British humour can sit back and belly laugh in late January with comedy queen Sarah Millican performing her brand-new stand-up show Late Bloomer.

Head of Events Michelle Stevens says Mercury Baypark has a wonderland of events this summer.

“We’re so chuffed with the variety that locals and summer visitors get to choose from.”

And weather won’t be an issue – all this live music and comedy will be held inside Mercury Baypark Arena, which can now host up to 6,000 people for standing concerts.

Stevens says you will get the best of both worlds.

“We’ll have an outdoor village vibe designed by our creative music promoters setting the scene outside the venue, then you’ll head into the air-conditioned arena with a roof over your head. So sunburn or soggy clothes from any rain lurking won’t be factors you’ll need to consider.”

Promoter Toby Burrows says his team is “super excited” for their upcoming run of shows at Mercury Baypark this summer.

“We have a really diverse offering with a bit of something for everyone. It’s such a fun venue to work with and we are really looking forward to utilising some indoor and outdoor spaces at the same time for these events.”

Sarah Millican’s live comedy show is almost sold out, with just 300 tickets left as this story went to print.

Promoter’s representative Louise Hunter says this is the third time Millican has toured New Zealand. 

“We’re looking forward to showing her parts of the country she’s not seen much of before.”

Baypark Speedway is hosting four race events in December and January, including two much-anticipated back-to-back fixtures with a special guest.

Manager Melissa Webb says Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen will be behind the wheel on December 28 and 30 to add some “extra star power”.

“We’re really looking forward to full fields of cars and international drivers over the holidays,” she says.

“If you haven’t been before, these are great shows to come to with the warm summer nights and great value for money entertainment for the whole family.”

Michelle Stevens says the Mercury Baypark team is in full event-planning mode and excitement levels are high.

“We would love to see you this summer. No matter which event you come along to, memories will be made and we are proud to be able to play a part in that.”

mercurybaypark.co.nz