New sponsors have come on board for the Osmanthus Gardens Lantern Festival, which will enable the event to better cater for the growing numbers enjoying the annual display in Cornwall Park.
First launched in 2008 to celebrate Hastings’ sister-city relationship with the Chinese province of Guilin, the event has steadily grown over the years with more visitors experiencing the luminous magic of the lanterns in Osmanthus Gardens.
This year, Hastings District Council has announced that Tūpore Infrastructure has stepped up as principal sponsor to support the festival.
Tūpore chief executive, Gavin O’Connor said that, as a locally-owned business with a long and proud history in Hastings, the company was always looking for ways to give back to the community.
“When Council presented us with the opportunity to support this fantastic event we saw real alignment with our drive to give back to the communities in which we do our work,” said Mr O’Connor.
“Our sponsorship is a small show of appreciation for the continued support of our business from Council and the Hawke’s Bay communities.”
Additional sponsorship support has also come from other local businesses – Pope Electrical and Green By Nature.
Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst said Council was very grateful to both companies for getting behind the event which was growing in popularity every year.
“This is a very special event that’s been held every year since it began, apart from 2021 when it could not be run due to Covid,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the beauty and tranquility of these gardens that turn into a real wonderland when lit up at night.
“With this additional support we can ensure we keep providing a fantastic experience for the many visitors that enjoy a slice of Chinese culture right here in Hastings.”
Councillor Kevin Watkins has been a driving force behind the festival since its inception, organising and installing the lanterns and helping secure national and international performers.
“It is very heartening that this event is held in such high regard by the community and this sponsorship is very welcome to support the necessary expansion of the festival,” he said.
This year, the layout of the festival will be enlarged to encompass more of Cornwall Park and the dates and hours have been extended to accommodate large crowds.
There will also be new attractions, including some outstanding New Zealand-based Chinese musicians.
When: Sunday 6 April – Sunday 13 April, 6pm to 9pm each night.
Where: Osmanthus Gardens, Cornwall Park.
