Prepare to party

Dig out your dancing shoes and strap in for a New Year to remember.

Picton’s foreshore is the place to be once again, after a local event planner revived the popular party.

And this year’s event will have an Eclectic Fix for everyone, with every Dangerbaby dancing to the Bitter End.

Local big-band Eclectic Fix will join Blenheim cover band Bitter End on the main stage from 7pm while the Christchurch-based trio Dangerbaby will usher in 2023 to a fireworks display from Marlborough Fireworks.

Eclectic Fix driving force Linda Holdaway says their first New Year performance is an opportunity for them to unleash their inner Tina Turner; just what everyone wants to do on New Year’s Eve, she says.

The eight-piece band features drums, bass, two keys, two vocalists, trumpet and a sax, with several of the musicians able to swap out their instruments to completely change their sound.

“Putting the brass in allows us to do Chicago, or Earth, Wind and Fire – those big sounds that Billy Joel or Elton John get,” says Linda.

“It gives the brass band players the opportunity to do a solo.

“And because we have members who can play different things, we can really change our sound from song to song.”

Trumpet player Zac Ashley says they’re not ambient music; they’re not a band that sits in the corner.

“We’ll be dancing on stage, within reason,” he laughs.

Linda says with 225 of combined years of musical experience their repertoire suits all ages.

All the members of Eclectic Fix are involved in Blenheim Musical Theatre and the brass band; Linda says they’ll be switching from classical to improv song after song.

“We have a good time, and it helps people watching to have a good time as well,” she says.

Pure Events manager Katrina Lange says she wanted to make sure the spectacular event continued following the closure of Marlborough 4 Fun.

“We have a really good cross-section of music, as well as a lot of local food vendors, entertainment and fireworks,” Katrina says.

She says the alcohol free, family-friendly event will have full security and will be on the grassed area right on the foreshore, in sight of the excellent playground.

“It’s just such a beautiful setting to have it in,” she says.

“It’s bringing the community together and celebrating this special time of year. Seeing everyone have a good time makes all the work worthwhile.”

Katrina says the event has a positive effect on Picton, with locals loving the extra customers the celebration brings.

“It’s great the council support this event for the community. They’re proactive making sure it happens still.”

The one thing Katrina can’t organise, unfortunately, is the weather.

“It’s always come through – touch wood,” she laughs. “The worst thing is wind.

“There’s no alternative date – it’s New Years.

“We’ll do some sun dances and hope it all comes off. “

Pure Event Marlborough's New Year’s Eve Celebration on Picton' foreshore, supported by Marlborough District Council, begins at 7pm tonight.

See Pure Events Marlborough Facebook page for more details.