NZ Idol star to shine at Christmas in Bay | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

By Beck Vass

Former New Zealand Idol Ben Lummis will be a key performer at Tauranga's $100,000 Christmas in the Bay concert.

Lummis, season one winner of the reality television series, was named at the concert's launch at the Tauranga City Council chambers yesterday.

Others due to perform at Wharepai Domain on December 2 include comedian and entertainer Pio Terei, singer Sara Jane, Tauranga singer Hannah Fryett and children's performers The Funky Monkeys.

Speaking at the event's launch, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby said the family-focused concert was a chance for people to celebrate Christmas and the city's community spirit.

"I think it's important that as we grow we have these events, so we can put a hand up and say 'this is our place where we can come together as family, as friends, at a very important time of year'," Mr Crosby said.

"This is great for our city. It's going to be great for the people of our city of all ages and of all cultures."

He thanked businesses supporting the event through sponsorship or donated services.

Mr Crosby congratulated event manager and founder of the Tauranga Youth Trust running the event, Rebecca Gabbie-Tereu, and her team of supporters for their "incredible" efforts.

Mrs Gabbie-Tereu said highlights of the event included 50 local business teams who would compete for the crowd's vote in a Christmas tree decorating competition.

A "Search 4 a Star" competition would also see performers compete around the Bay leading up to the event, with the winner performing live at the concert.

Santa would also make an appearance.

• Christmas in the Bay runs from 3pm until 10.30pm on Saturday, December 2. Entry is $5 per person or $10 for a family of five. Tickets are available from Westpac bank branches and the Radio Network reception in Harrington House. For more information on Christmas in the Bay visit: www.taurangachristmas.co.nz