Crowds rock up to Summer Series again

Crowd numbers at the Summer Series concert in Albert Park last Sunday far exceeded the expected 5000.

Chief organiser Pat Fife said that numbers had been down in the three previous years but had reached around 6500 this year.

Summer Series, a free outdoor concert, is hosted by 95bFM and features local artists. This year marked the 20^th anniversary of the event and coincided with the 40^th anniversary of Albert Park.

Gelise O’Hare, a University of Auckland student who attended the event said, it was “great seeing people enjoying themselves in the relaxed environment”.

The liquor ban in Albert Park was lifted for the concert. Mr Fife said “It is difficult to police a liquor ban” and that the council had allowed it to be lifted due to the lack of problems in previous years.

The combination of large crowds and alcohol could well have been a recipe for disaster but the event appeared fun and problem free.

St Johns’ officers commented that they felt this was because it was, “so well controlled” and that any injuries reported were largely pre-existing, such as headaches from partying the night before.

Members of O’Lovely, one of the seven bands playing at the event, said they had really enjoyed their first Summer Series experience.

Laura Lee, the singer of the Christchurch-based underground band, said that the event had a “good vibe”.

Mike Ellis, Bass player said that playing at the event enabled the band to meet people but that it was also great for “kids, picnics and chilling out”.

Laura, Mike and guitar player Perry Mahoney are about to work on their new album and they say that its release will be followed by a Christchurch-based tour.