Friday 2 October 2009

Gold is central to the plans for Lawrence 150 celebrations

LAWRENCE, New Zealand (1^st October 2009): Three days of theatre, music, exhibitions and tours are set to entertain the golden crowds in Gabriel’s Gully 2011 to celebrate 150 years since the discovery of payable gold in New Zealand.

“This is a celebration of a national historic moment” said Wayman Roughan, Chairman of the 150 committee. “Gabriel’s Gully was the birthplace of New Zealand’s payable gold back in 1861. Lawrence, Dunedin and surrounding towns were built on the following gold rush and this three-day event is to celebrate just that, gold. We’ve been discussing the event for over a year and now it’s time to put plans in place.”

“Running an event in remote area such as Gabriel’s Gully, has its challenges,” commented Katy Macpherson, the project manager appointed in July to put the plans together for the event, “but it’s a wonderful setting for a weekend of activities and entertainment. This event will celebrate a huge piece of history for New Zealand and it’s important to have Gabriel’s Gully at the centre of those activities. The whole town is behind the celebrations and the majority are involved in hosting the event in some way or another. This event is a real community effort.”

A draft programme has now been collated with the gold theme running right through the three days and nights. Events include theatre work, music and entertainment along with historical tours and exhibitions which give the visitor an insight into life in Lawrence in the 1860’s. The entertainment is aimed at all ages with a special family focus, as its Otago Anniversary weekend.

The weekend celebrations kick-start a whole year of various events which celebrate the gold discovery, all centred in Lawrence and the district.

Lawrence 150, the three-day golden event runs from 18^th to 21^st March 2011 and features theatre, music, exhibitions, tours and family entertainment. For more information visit the website www.lawrence.co.nz

For media enquiries contact:-

Katy Macpherson

Project Manager – Lawrence 150 Celebrations

katy@kinetica.co.nz

021 154 5511

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