Katikati Christmas in the Park brings big beats and family fun to Moore Park

Moore Park in Katikati will come alive this weekend with live music, free activities for tamariki and plenty of festive atmosphere, as Katch Katikati's Christmas in the Park gets under way from 3:30pm to 5pm on 6 December — following on from the Santa Parade. Three acts are lined up to perform: high-energy percussion group Beat Street Drummers, classically trained vocalist Melissa Cox, and acoustic blues duo Big Road Blues.

Beat Street Drummers, known for their popular TikTok and Instagram clips, promise a street-party energy with infectious rhythms. Melissa Cox brings more than 30 years of performing and songwriting experience, covering favourites from the 1960s through to today as well as original holiday songs — her voice has been compared to a cross between Loreena McKennitt and Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick. Rounding out the afternoon is Big Road Blues, featuring Derek Jacobs on vocals and guitar and Grant Bullot on harmonica and washboard, who have been performing together since 1991.

For the kids, free activities will include pony cart rides, giant outdoor games, face painting and a circus workshop. The Katikati Youth Action Krew (YAKs), supported by Katikati Community Led Development, are also hosting a bouncy castle and festive 'snow' for younger visitors. Market stalls and food vendors will be on site, and families can also head inside the rugby clubrooms. The event is supported by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).