Carnival presents a 'good mix'

Entertainment at this year's Caroline Bay Carnival will be a good mix, association president Warren Barker says.

The programme includes former Timaru woman Laura Bunting, who has just spent a year touring Australia as the lead actress in the musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, and New Zealand's 2009 Stars In Their Eyes TV singing competition winner Mandy Pickering.

Mr Barker said it was difficult to single out acts, however, he was excited to have Impact Dance Group and the Gene Pitney Show in the line-up.

"It's very hard to get groups at this time of year."

Impact Dance Group is presenting "Company Kids" – 26 young people from Christchurch who will perform to songs from a variety of stage and movie shows.

The line-up includes a variety of acts over a 16-day period from Boxing Day to January 10. Noel Burns is compering for his 22nd consecutive year.

The carnival concludes with the Talent Quest.

Mr Barker said more local acts would feature in a carnival extension on January 16 and 17, which will feature a South Canterbury Has Talent-themed show. Proceeds would go to the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre appeal. He said the programme had not been fully set for the extended celebration and anyone keen to perform was invited to contact the association.

- © Fairfax NZ News