WBS Big Switch to kick-start Greytown Festival of Christmas on 1 July
July is set to sparkle brighter than ever, with snow in the forecast for this years’ mid-winter Festival of Christmas in Greytown. The annual event will once again see Greytown transformed into a winter wonderland for the entire month, with a jam-packed programme of events, workshops, food, live music and family fun, as well as a special Matariki programme.
WBS is delighted to be supporting the first major act of the 2023 festival, the WBS Big Switch, from 3pm on Saturday 1 July. This is a wonderful kick-start to the festival, where the whole community is invited to head along and catch a first glimpse of the festive atmosphere, see the lighting get turned on for the first time, grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, browse the night markets, get a selfie in the ‘snow’, and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.
In line with this year’s festival theme ‘Let it Snow’, 3000 snowflakes have been distributed to schools and preschools throughout the region for children to decorate and bring along to hang on the WBS Community Tree on opening night.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting the festival again this year. It’s a wonderful initiative that brings joy to our local community. As an organisation that’s been part of Wairarapa for 150 years, we’re really passionate about helping families, communities and businesses prosper, so the festival is a perfect fit for us. The programme looks great again this year. We’re looking forward to seeing the lights and fireworks, and the smiles it brings to friends and whānau,” says John Healy, Chief Executive of WBS.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, WBS and the Community Food Banks have placed a large box under the WBS Community Tree, where people can donate non-perishable food items throughout the month for collection.
The WBS Big Switch marks the start of a month of entertainment. Other highlights include:
- workshops and crafternoons for kids and adults
- a family-friendly Winter Fete at Cobblestones
- Matariki stargazing and weaving
- Cocktails and Comedy at The White Swan
- a Fashion Through the Ages show
- a snowman hunt
- a Woolshed Movie Night hosted by Greytown School. Proceeds from night will go to the school for upgrading its junior playground.
Topping all these activities off will be a snow flurrying outside the Town Hall every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm – 8pm. Set to lights and music, the flurry is guaranteed to be a magical snowfall experience, and will give Wairarapa locals a little taste of a white Christmas.
Retailers will be offering special deals and prizes. And restaurants, bars and cafes will have festive food and beverages on the menu. There will even be mulled wine and eggnog.
If you would like to decorate a snowflake to hang on the tree, they can be collected from WBS at 125 Queen Street, Masterton, at any library in Wairarapa, or from The Offering Café in Greytown.
To see the full programme visit www.greytownvillage.com