Fun for the whole family, Nelson Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker, a production that is guaranteed to transport us all to the festive season during winter in Nelson!

One of the world’s most-loved ballets, the adventure begins on Christmas morning when Clara’s brother, Fritz, snatches the Nutcracker her beloved nutcracker doll and falls over and breaks it. From there we follow Clara and her Nutcracker as they travel through swirling snowflakes to a colourful garden filled with characters to delight the young and young-at-heart.

The performance will present dance students as the featured performers and international artist, Jesse Campbell returns to Nelson to dance in this year’s full length classic ballet.

Director Gillian Francis has consistently achieved a very high standard from her very creative and talented students (ranging from the ages of 3 to their mid-20′s) over many years and this year’s The Nutcracker includes beautiful choreography, costuming, backdrops, lighting and sound.

Enjoy winter in Nelson in grand style, making memories to cherish with the ones you love.

Off Your Rockers Chorus, Central School Children’s Choir & Steinelele Ukulele Group lead a community sing-a-long: Watch us pack this much fun into two hours. There’s a wee gem at the end too!

More students, more talent, more music from The NSOM’s very own early-rising stars!

The Civic Choir and the Male Voice Choir are singing in the new day with their Dawn Chorus set, bringing all your favourite anthems and choruses.  Complimentary bubbles to add to the fun - Hallelujah!!!

Be prepared in all your floss and finery for this extravaganza.  Buz Bryant Green flies in from China and shines a light on our Steinway, delivering a myriad of colour and character.  Also featuring violinist John Thompson and baritone Robert Tucker, this is a musical feast of local, national and international stars.  Two hands, four hands, six hands, eight hands!  What can’t this Steinway do?? A not-to-be-missed musical bonanza!!

Gather round and listen, as Murray takes us through the Steinway story, from Hamburg to Nelson with love!  Then, the rising stars of the Nelson School of Music come out to shine in this concert featuring our 2015 scholarship winners.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company is delighted to present a double bill, the perfect winter treat for the whole family!

A Christmas Carol
We've taken the spirit of winter, wrapped it in your favourite yuletide melodies and tied it with the magic and wonder of your childhood.
Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of colourful characters for Nelson Youth Theatre Company's production of A Christmas Carol. With ticket prices even Scrooge would approve of, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way to celebrate a mid-year Christmas at the Theatre Royal.

The Secret Garden 
An enchanting adaptation of a classic family novel, this acclaimed production will inspire "the child" within audience members of all ages. After being orphaned in India, 10 year-old Mary is returned to England to live with her melancholy uncle at his neglected estate. Haunted by the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her uncle, she innocently unlocks the forgotten gate to an untended garden on the estate grounds. From its soil, fertile with memory and "magic," springs hope and healing for them both.

Thumbelina is a family adventure presented by Live Arts Nelson

Based on the Hans Christian Anderson Tale

Get ready for the biggest adventure that can fit in the palm of your hand!

Thumbelina is a child of the flowers who is just the size of a thumb. Join Thumbelina on a journey to an enchanted world filled with colourful characters, magic and excitement in production that proves big things do come in small packages. This one hour play is a delight for whole family.

The Nelson Final of Smokefree Rockquest: New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. Now in its 28th year, the series of over 40 events reaches audience numbers in excess of 10,000 every year. Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, Smokefree Rockquest has now become a New Zealand institution.

Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand music.

Children under 6 years old free entry at the door (subject to availability)

Smokefree Rockquest is New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. Now in its 28th year, the series of over 40 events reaches audience numbers in excess of 10,000 every year. Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, Smokefree Rockquest has now become a New Zealand institution.

Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand music.