Runga to sway our way for World Cup’s start

Bic Runga. Photo: supplied
Bic Runga. Photo: supplied
Something good will come Dunedin’s way on July 20, and not just football fervour.

That is when singer-songwriter Bic Runga will perform in the city, on the same day the women’s football World Cup opening ceremony is beamed out internationally from Auckland and New Zealand has its opening game there, against Norway.

Runga — whose hits include SwayGet Some Sleep and Something Good — is due to perform at the Town Hall from 5pm, just after DJ Tina Turntables and ahead of the opening ceremony and the Football Ferns’ match playing live on the big screen.

Other headline acts through the Fifa Fan Festival in Dunedin are Ladyhawke, Ladi6 and the Topp Twins.

The free festival will run on selected days at the Town Hall and Glenroy Auditorium, July 20-30.

Dunedin hosts its first match in the Fifa World Cup on July 21, between the Philippines and Switzerland, and the first full day of the festival will be on Saturday, July 22, starting at noon.

The Dunedin City Council announced the full festival programme yesterday.

Fan festival co-ordinator Eleanor Riley said she produced a programme designed to appeal to families.

As well as music, arts, crafts, sporting activities and photo exhibitions are included.

Dunedin is hosting six World Cup matches, including New Zealand against Switzerland on July 30.

Some games not hosted by the city will be played on the big screen through the festival.

City council events team leader Dan Hendra said the city had never before been part of such a big undertaking for an event.

"This is the largest women’s tournament in history, and significant upgrades have already been completed across a number of sports grounds in preparation for the tournament," he said.

Fifa has said there will be no door sales at the Dunedin stadium for the matches there.

Tickets can be bought online.

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

 

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