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Concerts by Ed Sheeran and Fat Boy Slim are expected to bring thousands of visitors to the capital city this weekend. (File photo)
Wellington is set to play host to a number of major events this week with Ed Sheeran, Fat Boy Slim and international comedians all hitting the capital.
The events are expected to bring over 50,000 people to the capital city, with more than 33,000 of those visitors to the region.
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said the busy week of events would be a lift for the local economy and atmosphere of the city.
“Thousands of people will be heading into central Wellington over the week, and they’ll be enjoying all the city has to offer including restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping and sightseeing,” Whanau said.
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Thursday is expected to be the busiest day with 54,000 people set to descend on the CBD, many of them heading to Sky Stadium for Ed Sheeran’s sold-out concert where a record 46,234 people will attend.
Those who choose to walk to the stadium along the waterfront will be serenaded by musicians from TSB Arena’s balcony from 4pm.
Eight cruise ships are also set to visit the city this week, including two cruise ships bringing 6750 tourists on Thursday.
Following on from Sheeran’s concert, on FridayAmerican stand-up comedian Tom Segura will perform a sold out show at The Opera House and Fatboy Slim takes the stage at a sold-out Anderson Park venue.
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Fat Boy Slim will be performing on Friday at Anderson Park. (File photo)
Whanau said the city would be the busiest it had been since 2019.
“The city will be the busiest it has been since Eminem was in town in 2019, so there are plans in place to make sure everyone has a great time – and a safe time,” she said.
WellingtonNZ chief executive John Allen said people should book ahead to make sure they don’t miss out.
“We know many of you will want to soak it up eating out, or watching the plethora of free entertainment, so it’s worth booking at your favourite spot so you don’t miss out.
“Apart from being prepared, my advice is to get out there, have a lot of fun, and as Gen Z says, slay the week.”
Breakfast
The pop star was passing through Featherston when he stopped for a drink and some food.
Monsoon Poon owner Mike Egan said the upcoming gigs were great for the city and the vibe, and he and other Wellington retailers were looking forward to the rest of the week.
When visitors came to Wellington, they were in a great frame of mind to experience the city. So far, Wellington had “dodged a bullet” when it came to the weather, so the weekend was going to be “really good”.
Wellington ready to rock this week
There will be eight cruise ships visiting the capital and six major events, headlined by the record-breaking Ed Sheeran concert at Sky Stadium.
There will also be whānau friendly celebrations for Waitangi weekend, Fat Boy Slim and Sol3 Mio entertaining at the Botanic Garden’s ki Paekākā’s Anderson Park, and comedians Sarah Millican and Tom Segura.
Due to the influx of people into the city, Wellington City Council urged people to leave their cars at home and use public transport to get to the events.
Check out metlink.org.nz for public transport information and Council’s social media channels on updates for Waitangi Day events.