White Night 2018

Published: 18 October 2018

More street theatre, more music and more art – White Night returns to take over the Napier CBD this Saturday night.

The free family-friendly event sees the Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival celebration expanded. This years programme includes the Human Project (Sophie Follett and Champa Maciel), performing in collaboration with Sara Hirsch and Rosie Langabeer, Napier Library, Napier Music Academy, the recently relocated Quay Gallery, Living Walls, Chloe Loftus – who wowed the crowd at the festival’s opening night on Monday – ukelele wonders the Nukes, and multiple award-winning Hungarian Bandart Productions.

Atamira Dance Company is also performing Pango for free at Napier Municipal Theatre from 6pm to 7pm, just prior to the official start of White Night, at 7pm, and Boom Factory’s back with a new stunning laser light show, accompanied by DJ Lorenzo.

Richard Boyd-Dunlop, who will be opening his self-named gallery on the night, has also, with the help of fellow artist Ken Sando, in collaboration with Napier City Council and with the support of Napier City Business Inc, constructed the Art Tardis. The Dr Who fan describes the interactive work as a mixture of fan art and a tribute to Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, well known for her work with infinity rooms and mirrors. “Like the other Tardis, it seems bigger on the inside. It’s a bit of fun, and you can become your own piece of art. It’s great for kids and adults.”

Napier City Business Inc.'s Steph Kennard: "We were blown away by how many people came last year. Now that the word is out about White Night, and people know what it’s about, we think we’re going to have an even bigger crowd. It’s such fantastic exposure for our talented artists, musicians, eateries and other CBD businesses."

White Night Napier, inspired by Nuit Blanche in Paris, France, attracted more than 3000 people of all ages, last year. “We were blown away by how many people came last year. Now that the word is out about White Night, and people know what it’s about, we think we’re going to have an even bigger crowd. It’s such fantastic exposure for our talented artists, musicians, eateries and other CBD businesses,” says Steph Kennard, acting manager, Napier City Business Inc.

All participating venues are within easy walking distance, spanning an area stretching from Marine Parade, to Byron Street, Browning Street, down to the Napier Municipal Theatre and SPA_CE Gallery on Tennyson Street, and the Hastings Street block bordered by Emerson Street.

Other participating venues include: MTG Hawke’s Bay, CAN (Creative Arts Napier), The Drama Workshop, The Pencil Room, Department of Curiosities and Fine Things, Homebase Collection, The Rabbit Room, and Wardini Books.

There are a range of hospitality options available for people to enjoy, including Food Truck Alley located on Browning St between Marine Parade and Herschell St open from 5pm.

The programme and map is available now from all participating venues. For details and tickets go to www.hbaf.co.nz.

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