Summer is here, that's the message from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, which today launched its Summerdaze Festval programme at Queenstown.

In the spirit of summer QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes temporarily exposed some below-the-knee flesh in Queenstown Bay today and toasted the onset of the golden weather.

"Summer is a time to relax with family and friends and this year?s summer festival has something for everyone," Mr Geddes said.

The festival would get underway with the One Day Cricket International, New Zealand versus Sri Lanka, at the Queenstown Event Centre on New Year's Eve, followed by NYE waterfront fireworks celebrations in Wanaka and Queenstown.

"The events just keep rolling on from there, right through January," QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said.

Other highlights included the Wanaka Rodeo, the Glenorchy Races, Thomas the Tank Engine days at Kingston, Outdoor movies, the New Zealand Rugby Sevens, Farmers Markets and Teddy Bears Picnics.

"The Queenstown Lakes District is the place to be this summer," Mrs Maxwell said.

The programme will be formally launched at a function in Queenstown tonight (Thursday) and celebrated in Wanaka at a second function next week.

Programme details were available at www.summerdaze.net.nz

ENDS

For further information please contact Jan Maxwell 03 441 0499 or Summerdaze event co-ordinator Alastair McIlwrick 0274 502 624.

By: Sarah