Join the fun from 26 Dec 2024 - 12 Jan 2025
Every year from Boxing Day with our fireworks spectacular on New Years Eve, Check out our programme to see whats on.
Check out what's on!
Day 1 - Boxing Day
1.00pm
Mini Golf $6.00 per person - 18 Holes
Games and Rides operate throughout the afternoon from 1pm
2.00pm
Mayor Nigel Bowen will open the 114th Annual Carnival
on stage at the Soundshell.
Concert - Dee May and the Saints
Get set for the hip-shakin', toe-tappin' vintage vibes of Dee May and the Saints
This band delivers their own intoxicating blend of Vintage Rock 'n' Roll, Swing and Jazz with a fistful of R&B, winding it all up with a mellow, soul seducing twist. By bringing together on stage these 6 musicians you're sure to be jumpin' and jivin' in no time!
Dee May and the Saints Facebook
Dee May and the Saints at Oamaru Collective Cafe
Games and Rides operate throughout the evening from 6pm
7.00pm
Concert - Chet & Melissa O'Connell
Chet & Melissa are a dynamic entertainment package led by their guitar and vocal talents. A regular feature on the entertainment scene, having performed at concerts, festivals and corporate events in some of the country's most prestigious venues.
Chet has earned a formidable reputation as one of New Zealand's most dynamic, in-demand guitarists at the same time as receiving accolades as a fine vocalist and entertainer in his own right. His vast musical ability and knowledge has enable him to move freely around the music scene, working with a variety of artists in many different genres.
Melissa has a dynamic voice that makes you want to sit up and listen. It is difficult to categorize Melissa in one style of music. Her versatility means she can cover anything from acoustic Country Ballads to classic rock and pop. She sings with a passion that shows her love of music & performance.
EFTPOS open from 1pm
Day 2 - December 27th
11.00am
Tiny Tots in the Entertainment Area
Sponsored by Geraldine Farm Shop & Cafe
Open to Girls & boys 2 - 4 years old. Entries on the day.
11.30am
Grandparent & Grandchild in the Entertainment Area
Sponsored by Timaru South Cosmopolitan Club
Open to all Grandparents. Minimum age of Grandchild is 3 years
Dress style optional. Entries on the day.
2.00pm
Concert - Chet & Melissa O'Connell
Click here to visit the website
7.00pm
Concert - Chet O'Connell & Ricky Morris
Rikki Morris - One of the great all-rounders of the NZ music industry, Rikki Morris - performer, songwriter, sound engineer, studio engineer, producer and mentor.
Rikki has a lifetime of making music in New Zealand with over 35 years of experience in the music industry.
Rikki has been awarded the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll award, NZ Radio Jingle Awards, NZ Tui awards and written a number one single, 'Nobody Else'.
2024 sees the release of his new album 'About Time'.
Rikki Morris - The Saddest Sound
EFTPOS open from 11am
Day 3 - December 28th
11.00am
Junior Miss Cutie in the Entertainment Centre
Open to Girls 5 - 7 years
Sponsored by Coles Stables Entries on the day
11.15am
Miss Cutie in the Entertainment Centre
Open to Girls 8 - 9 years
Sponsored by McCain Foods
11.30am
Fancy Dress in the Entertainment Centre
Age Groups: 0 - Under 4, 4 - 6, 7 - 9
Sponsored by Hospitality New Zealand
2.00pm
Concert - Chet O'Connell & Ricky Morris
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Concert
EFTPOS open from 11am
Day 4 - December 29th
11.00
Parent & Daughter in the Entertainment Centre
Open to Parents with Daughters 3 - 5 years.
Footwear is compulsory
Sponsored by The Warehouse
11.15am
Parent & Son in the Entertainment Centre
Open to Parents with Sons 3 - 5 years
Footwear is compulsory
Sponsored by Countdown Browne Street
ENTRIES ON THE DAY
2.00pm Concert - Back to the 80's Tribute Show
Paul Madsen and band
“Back to the 80s” An upbeat Tribute Show Taking on the classic hits of the 80s reflective to an unforgettable decade of classic music
Songs featured in the Show
Take on me, Relax , Rebel yell , Billie Jean to name a few
The performers have an edge for this music as they were there living and performing these songs back in the 80s
Complete with flamboyant costumes and mullet hairdos with dance moves that could only be from the 80s
The audience will experience a snapshot of this nostalgic decade of unique bygone music topped off a hint of comedy and crowd engagement
Rides and Games operate from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Concert - Ed Sheeran Tribute Show
Joe Boshell is SHEERAN OUT LOUD! The most popular and authentic Ed Sheeran Tribute out there!
You can expect an epic one man show, celebrating the music from the most influential artist of the decade. Joe executes Ed’s songs live just like the man himself, expertly using a loop pedal and building up songs with his acoustic guitar, keyboard and voice.
From “A Team” to “Bad Habits” and everything in between, there is something for everyone with the extensive catalogue of big hits. Joe will cover all your favourites from all of Ed’s albums. Born and raised in the East of England, just like Ed, Joe has made a living performing around the world as a singer guitarist for the past 15 years and moved to Australia in 2016 where he consistently sells out shows nationwide. With his excellent British singing voice and highly rhythmical acoustic guitar playing, it just made “perfect” sense for Joe to become a tribute to an artist he admires.
You won’t believe your eyes and ears as you experience the closest thing to Ed Sheeran you will ever see…without seeing the real thing of course! So get ready to sit back and enjoy the show but bring your dancing shoes as it will get very lively!
Day 5 - December 30th
11.00am
Junior Master Caroline Bay in the Entertainment Centre
Open to ages 5 - 7 yrs
Sponsored by Town & Country Club
11.15am
Master Caroline Bay in the Entertainment Centre
Open to ages 8 - 9 years
Sponsored by Town & Country Club
2.00pm
Concert - Ed Sheeran Tribute Show
Brought to you by Madsen Promotions
7.00pm Concert - Local Artist VHS (John Te Au)
Introducing VHS Facebook
VHS Feb 18 on Facebook
Day 6 - New Years Eve
2.00pm
Concert - VHS join us on stage again for another spectacular concert
Immigrant Song - Led Zep VHS live at fight night
Revelry by Kings of Leon VHS live at Retro Rock 2024 Timaru
7.00pm
Concert - Liberator Band
Liberator is a show band that features 8—10 members, including a horn section, and plays regularly at top venues and corporate functions. The band is a fun, professional and entertaining unit that performs a wide range of music styles including rock, rockabilly, funk, pop and ska; guaranteed to have folks up on their feet.
9.00pm - 11.00pm
Liberator Band joins us again on stage for New Years Eve
Liberator Run to ParadiseLiberator Jump
Liberator Brown Eyed Girl
Bring along the whole family for a night of fun and entertainment
12.00am
PUB CHARITY Fireworks Spectacular display
Day 7 - January 1st
12.30pm
BIG DIG on the sand east of Mini Golf
Children Only
Sponsored by Barbara McKenzie - Harcourts
2.00pm
Concert - Liberator Band
7.00pm
Concert ABBA Heaven!
A heartfelt reproduction of the sound and look of Swedish Supergroup ABBA, ABBA Heaven! is an Auckland based ABBA Tribute Band that has been specializing in performing the timeless and indelible hits of ABBA for a while, to great acclaim - and has fans nationwide, of it's own.
Featuring the necessarily powerhouse vocals of Ness Abernethy as "Agnetha" and Pauline Berry as "Frida" combo, you won't hear a closer soundalike ABBA band. John Gorbey on guitar and vocals and Stuart Pearce on keyboards, the band performs in replica ABBA costumes.
Day 8 - January 2nd
11.30am
Children's Pet Parade on the Grass Area by the Bay Hall
Sponsored by For Pet's Sake
2.00pm
Concert - ABBA Heaven!
ABBA Heaven! audiences have so much fun, as they too take part in the music, singing along to Fernando, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Chiquitita, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and so much more! The Music and look born of the glam rock and disco era, is beloved by all age groups, who know and love the music of ABBA through the movies, radio play and albums, plus their ABBAtar show in the UK now performing daily - there's nothing like ABBA Heaven! to fulfil your ABBA fantasies.
Winner of the Top Group Award at the Variety Artists Entertainment Awards in 2023 AKA The Bennys with Ness Abernethy Winning Top Female Vocalist.
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Concert - Tightazz
Starring on stage are Aroha Willams on rhythm guitar, Jonny Elder on bass, Shane Keating on keyboard, Phil Doublet on lead guitar and Doug Blakie on drums.
Tightazz is proud to supply backing for artists entering the Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest.
Day 9 - January 3rd
9.00am
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Auditions - Junior Section 12 & Under
At the Sound Shell
Limited to first 35 Entries Received
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
2.00pm
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Semi Final
Junior Section with Backing Band Tightazz
At the Sound Shell
3.30pm
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Auditions
Intermediate Section 13 - Under 18
At the Sound Shell
Limited to first 35 Entries Received
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Semi Final
Intermediate Section with Backing Band Tightazz
At the Sound Shell
Day 10 - January 4th
9.00am
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Auditions - Senior Section 18 & over
In the Sound Shell
Limited to first 35 Entries Received
Rides and Gamers operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
2.00pm
Concert Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Semi Final Senior Section
with Backing Band Tightazz
2.55pm
First appearance Best Dressed Man & Woman
Sponsored by The Courier Newspaper
Open to 16 years and over as at 1st January 2025
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Caroline Bay Association Talent Quest Final
Junior, Intermediate and Senior section
with Backing Band Tightazz
7.55pm
Final appearance Best Dressed Man & Woman
Open to 16 years and over as at 1st January 2025
Sponsored by The Courier Newspaper
Day 11 - January 5th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
11.00am
Boys Running & Egg and Spoon Races
11.30am
Girls Running & Egg and Spoon Races
12.00pm
Sand Modelling - Location Beach Area
Ages: Under 5, 5 - 6, 7 - 9, 10 - 12, 13 - 15
Prizes donated by: MORE FM and Judged by OJ from the Breeze
2.00pm
Zac Griffith and Tightazz
Zac Griffith hails from a small country town outside of Nelson, New Zealand, and has been picking guitar and singing for over 10 years. Most recently, he was named the 2023 Overall Winner of the Gold Guitar Country Music Awards, and has previously won the overall titles of numerous Country Music Awards in New Zealand, as well as previously the Intermediate Overall winner of the Gold Guitar Awards. Zac is a 2024 graduate of the CMAA Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, Australia, as well as spending 2 weeks performing at the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival. His greatest influences range from his starting point of Johnny Cash, right through to Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton, and his idol; Vince Gill. As of now, Zac is playing gigs and different events solo, as well as lead guitar in a couple bands, along with writing new material for an ep. He released his debut single in 2024 titled “My River Runs To You”, which is available on all streaming platforms. He is also working through a development deal with Universal Music New Zealand, writing and recording demos…
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Zac Griffith and Tightazz
Day 12 - January 6th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00 am throughout the afternoon
12.30pm
Concert on the band Rotunda
Day 13 - January 7th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
12.30pm
Jae Bedford One Man Band on Facebook
EFTPOS Available from 10.00am at Secretary's Office
Day 14 - January 8th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00 am throughout the afternoon
12.30pm
Day 15 - January 9th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
12.30pm
On the Band Rotunda
Jae Bedford
Jae has been performing since 1995
- One Man Band
- Songwriter
- DJ
- Karaoke
- Open mic
- Event management
- Band, DJ & Karaoke hire
- Kids DJ
- Kids Karaoke
- Sound/lighting hire
- Music teacher online and in person
7.00pm At the Soundshell
VENTURE TIMARU Proudly brings you Jason Kerrison
Jason Kerrison is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished musicians, celebrated for his work as the frontman of the multi-platinum-selling band Opshop, as well as his involvement in *The Babysitters Circus*. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Kerrison has garnered critical acclaim, commercial success, and a reputation for creating music that strikes a deep chord with audiences.
Learn More
EFTPOS available from 10.00am at the Secretary's Office
Day 16 - January 10th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
2.000pm Concert on the Soundshell
Suburban Sons Suburban Sons was formed by Al Walker and Jonny Elder in 2000 as a duo playing mostly around Timaru. In 2022 they added a new member, George Elder on drums.
We play covers but add our own flavour and we love to improvise.
There is certainly something for everyone in our set.
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
Timaru Band Livewire are proud to present "The Feel of Neil Diamond" tribute show.
The band comprises Owen Jackson on Lead vocals, Adrian Evans Drums/Backing vocals along with their wives Rebecca Jackson and Paul Evans, both backing vocalists.
Covering the best of Neil Diamond hits from over 3 decades and especially tracks from the 1972 classic live album “Hot August Night” which was a New Zealand best seller.
But Livewire is not just a tribute act – they bring their own unique style and energy to every performance. These talented musicians and vocalists bring a fresh twist to Neil Diamond's classic tunes, while still staying true to the spirit of the original recordings. As Owen says we do not necessarily look like Neil and not always sound like him, but the music is great.
Their new Neil Diamond Tribute show is a must-see for any fan of this iconic musician. Livewire Band NZ brings all the hits to life, from "Sweet Caroline" to "Cracklin' Rosie" and everything in between. With their spot-on renditions of Neil Diamond's biggest hits, you will feel like you are right in the middle of one of his famous concerts.
Day 17 - January 11th
2.00pm
Livewire - Neil Diamond Tribute
Livewire is not just a tribute act – they bring their own unique style and energy to every performance. These talented musicians and vocalists bring a fresh twist to Neil Diamond's classic tunes, while still staying true to the spirit of the original recordings. As Owen says we do not necessarily look like Neil and not always sound like him, but the music is great.
Their new Neil Diamond Tribute show is a must-see for any fan of this iconic musician. Livewire Band NZ brings all the hits to life, from "Sweet Caroline" to "Cracklin' Rosie" and everything in between. With their spot-on renditions of Neil Diamond's biggest hits, you will feel like you are right in the middle of one of his famous concerts.
Rides and Games operating from 6.00pm throughout the evening
7.00pm
The backbeats are a full 7 piece band, very popular with the Clubs and have sold out many venues, with powerful male and female singers covering all the big hits and anthems of the late 1960s and the 70's,
They start with a 60’s segment, The Woodstock Generation show, which comprises of the first set being songs from and around the era of Woodstock ( Santana, The Who, Mama’s and Papa’s, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, Small Faces, The Beatles, CCR, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin) They are all dressed in hippie costumes for that
Then That 70’s show covering all the big hits and anthems of the 1970's, from early Glam Rock through to Abba, Fleetwood Mac, then all the big Disco hits, all in 70s costume - Click here to read more
Day 18 - January 12th
Rides and Games operating from approx. 11.00am throughout the afternoon
2.00pm
1 1/2 hour final concert by The Backbeats 70's Show
NO EVENING CONCERT