Thousands of people turned out for the Gull Laser Light show at the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights, Baxter Street in Warkworth on Saturday. The weather was a bit iffy but for the most part we got away with it!

Families thoroughly enjoyed the laser light show. We had some new attractions this year, including glow in the dark mini golf, the virtual reality experience; both kids and parents showed their dance moves on the disco floor in the Disco Den. The teacup rides were a hit and many enjoyed the fun of the mini V-W Kombi train.

A team of volunteers work for months putting the festival together and event organiser Murray Chapman says the smiles on the faces of children and their families makes it all worth it!

The festival receives an annual grant of $5000 from the Rodney Local Board, and wonderful local businesses step up every year for the remainder of the $50,000 tab, to which the festival organisers are extremely grateful.

We look forward to doing it all again next year!