The Sir Howard Morrison Centre is getting into the festive spirit by hosting a free Christmas concert, and becoming an official collection point for the annual Rotorua Salvation Army Foodbank Appeal.

Locals are invited to attend the evening concert in the Foyer (Te Haumihi) on Thursday 30 November where the Rotorua Accelerando group will perform a number of Christmas songs, alongside other community groups.

The Rotorua Accelerando Programme supports up and coming singers from Years 9-13 by providing world-class singing tuition and lessons in stage craft and performance.

The Café will be open to purchase Christmas-themed food and drinks to enjoy while listening to the concert.

Sir Howard Morrison Centre Performing Arts Director Janelle Bish is proud to offer free entertainment highlighting local talent and supporting such a worthwhile cause in partnership with the Salvation Army.

“Our team loves festive cheer, especially when we can combine it with free live performing arts and collecting donations for those who need it most in our community,” says Janelle Bish.

The Salvation Army six-week appeal, run in conjunction with the Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits Rotorua, is calling for people to contribute non-perishable food items and children’s toys ahead of Christmas.

The initiative helps local families in need throughout the holiday period and into 2024.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says, “Christmas is a time for celebration in our community and it’s great to be able to deliver this free Christmas concert for Rotorua while also supporting this year’s Salvation Army Foodbank Appeal.

“Every contribution has a very real impact on a local family, so I encourage our Rotorua community to help make someone else’s Christmas that little bit brighter.”

Members of the public are encouraged to drop their donations off on the night of the concert or during the Sir Howard Morrison Centre Box Office hours, every Wednesday and Friday – 10am - 2pm.
From 30 November, these hours will extend to Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 3pm.