Festive celebrations will set Kawerau a light this weekend with Kawerau Christmas in the Park on Saturday at Prideaux Park. The electric Howie Morrison (Jnr.) Trio and X Factor finalist Whenua Patuwaiwill headline this year's event.

Kiwi songstress and special guest Sharon Emiralialso returns to the Kawerau stage.

The Howie Morrison Trio will be performing at the event this weekend.

The day will begin with the New World Kawerau Santa Parade before the best talents of the Bay of Plenty take to the stage for The Radio 1XX Community Christmas Concert leading into the 'spectacular” evening show directed by Monty Morrison of CMM Management.

'The evening show will see a fantastic line up booked for this year's evening show; which will culminate in a massive fireworks display,” says Kawerau District Council events co-ordinator Lee Barton.

Howard Morrison Jnr, Chris Powley and Russell Harrison AKA The Howie Morrison (Jnr.)Trio will be accompanied by their own Showband and will undoubtedly create a truly memorable showcase in Kawerau.

Performing for the first time in Kawerau, Whenua Patuwai, who came to the attention of the nation, when he auditioned for the first local series of X Factor New Zealand in 2013. Finishing the competition in second place, Whenua went on to tour the country with Stan Walker and Guy Sebastian.

Whenua also released his debut single Something Special followed by his first cover album - The Soul Sessions.

Powerhouse diva Sharon Emirali returns to Kawerau after appearing at Kawerau Christmas in the Park in 2012.

A regular performer at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park and Lakeside Concert, Sharon is no stranger to large crowds and is guaranteed to lift the festive comer's spirits with her crowd pumping power vocals, producing a range of latest hits and classics.

The evening show will also feature Whakatane based group Yesiyah, soprano Elisha Hulton (NZ Aria finalist and winner of the 2014 Maori Song Contest), Emma Cronshaw-Hunt from Rotorua and Tuakoi Ohia.

The night will conclude with the largest fireworks display in the Bay of Plenty.

Kawerau Christmas in the Park is a family focussed event with no drugs, alcohol or gang regalia permitted.

For more information visit: www.kawerauchristmasinthepark.co.nz

Powerhouse diva Sharon Emiral.

Whenua Patuwai.