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Ahoy there! Takapuna in prime position for Cup party

Flagstaff Team

Just over there… Will Laurie (20) from Mairangi Bay indicates how handy the Cup racing is to Takapuna Beach

Summer party vibes are taking hold shore- side as the warm weather, public entertainment and heightened yachting competition coincide.

Takapuna is at the centre of much of the action, providing grandstand viewing of Prada Cup racing.

This Saturday (23 January) the Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival amps up the action, with family fun, food trucks by day, and music on the green of Gould Reserve as the sun lowers in the sky.

From 10am, little ones can enjoy clowns and magicians, bouncy castles and beach games. From 3pm to 7pm, the free entertainment takes a musical turn, with Kiwi performers, including Tobias, formerly of Katchafire and lead singer/guitarist for Sons of Zion, doing a solo spot. He is followed by Daily J, an indie-psych band, then pop singer Geoff Ong.

Milford, Castor Bay and Devonport are also prime spots for Cup watchers, depending on which courses are being sailed on, but as the round robin series winds up ahead of semi-finals racing next long weekend (Jan 29-Feb 2), the presence of a big screen at Takapuna makes it an inviting place to congregate for guaranteed viewing over the Auckland Anniversary holiday.

Come February, after the Prada Cup final is held (between 13-22 February) to determine who races Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup in March, the Waterbourne Festival will kick off. This is also centred at Takapuna Beach (from 27 February to 21 March) and has an environmental component, including beach clean-ups and the opportunity to try various water sports, along with a strong selection of ticketed entertainment from top performers including Sir Dave Dobbyn and Tami Neilson.

Picture this… Yachting fans are guaranteed close-up views of the action via a big screen on the Takapuna beachfront

Takapuna businesses are looking forward to the trading lift from more visitors to the area continuing through summer after a tough year caused by massive roadworks and landscaping on Hurstmere Rd and Covid-19 disruptions. The works will resume mid-year and should be completed by next summer.

The business association is behind this Saturday’s festival and is hoping both lo- cals and visitors support the shopping and hospitality area.


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