Things to do  |  2 Sep 2019

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Summer soundtrack super-group L.A.B. will bring the party to Christchurch’s North Hagley Park for a free feast of reggae, electronic, rock and funk on New Year’s Eve.

L.A.B. – featuring the Kora brothers, Brad and Stu, along with Joel Shadbolt, Miharo Gregory and Ara Adams-Tamatea – will headline the big night out as the city dances into 2020.

Two of the band’s records have been in the New Zealand Top 40 charts for more than 30 weeks.

Both of the band’s studio albums – L.A.B. and last year’s L.A.B. II – feature genre-blurring works, highlighting the group’s diverse catalogue.

“We always love playing in Christchurch and we are looking forward to bringing in the New Year and starting 2020 with the people of Ōtautahi,” the band says.

Stage powerhouse Dillastrate, indie-pop act The Response, dance pop singer-songwriter PRINS and Canterbury SmokefreeRockquest winner Sneaky Caribbean Monk Seals will also join the Christchurch City Council-backed party.

Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore suggests that everyone make an early New Year resolution to join the crowd in Hagley Park.

“What better place to party into 2020 than our fantastic central city park,” Ms Blackmore says.

“We have some exciting changes ahead for our free New Year’s Eve festival and are thrilled to be hosting the hugely popular L.A.B., as well as showcasing our amazing local talent.

“It’s a great excuse to experience a Christchurch New Year celebration with family and friends.”

Presented by The Edge radio station, the party kicks off at 6pm as the Court Jesters bring the interactive family fun. DJ Spinal will also spin some favourite anthems throughout the evening.

Party people can see in the New Year with a huge fireworks display at midnight from the Fireworks Professionals following a kids’ countdown set for 8pm at a new Hagley Park site.

The party winds down at 12.15am.

Find out more on The Edge NYE19.