Spring street party and Oktoberfest bring Labour Weekend to life
From German beer gardens to lively countryside and street celebrations, Nelson Tasman was in party mode over Labour Weekend.
More than 6500 people attended The Big Spring Street Party in upper Trafalgar St on Saturday, more than doubling organisers’ expectations.
The free Nelson Arts Festival event featured more than 200 community performers, alongside visiting acts, circus, music, dancing and interactive entertainment.
Organiser Janelle Bish described the turnout as “fantastically” successful and the event as “a very positive step in a new direction”.
The celebration carried on the spirit of the festival’s Mask Parade, paused while organisers reviewed demands on schools and teachers.
Bish said the new format was more cost-effective, worked around road closures.
“But makes us feel like we’ve still got an activation in the heart of the city that is free for everybody to enjoy.”
Photo: Braden Fastier / Nelson Mail
She said the wider festival had so far also attracted strong crowds.
Meanwhile, Richmond Town Hall hosted the region’s inaugural Oktoberfest on Sunday.
The sold-out celebration attracted more than 120 people, including German ambassador Kristina Jonek.
Organiser Olivia Neubauer said the event, hosted by the newly established Nelson Tasman German Club, had been a success.
“We had really positive feedback. The food was amazing.”
Guests enjoyed pork roast, sauerkraut, sausages, cheese spätzle and apple strudel, served family-style at long tables.
Photo: Braden Fastier / Nelson Mail
Entertainment included the NBS City of Nelson Brass, Bavarian games, DJ Sarah Kerby, a best-dressed competition and an outdoor beer garden.
Sunday’s 24th Ngatimoti Festival also drew big crowds, raising funds for Ngatimoti School.
Principal Alison Turner described it as an “outstanding community effort”.
“Absolutely wonderful. Particularly happy day, hot, lots of people turned out, our community is absolutely fantastic once again.”
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