NELSON events 2021

Bay Dreams, January 4. Eyebrows were raised when a large concert promoter said he wanted to bring one of the country's biggest music festivals to Nelson. But two years on, Bay Dreams has proved to be worth sticking around for, drawing music-lovers from all over New Zealand for a day of sun and sounds. baydreams.co.nz

Light Nelson (Te Ramaroa), 9-13 July. During winter, Light Nelson is a beacon in the dark — drawing thousands to the city for an illuminated walking tour. With a dazzling array of installations, this biannual event celebrates the alluring qualities of light to warm, transform, and make a winter's night magical. lightnelsonevent.co.nz

Nelson Arts Festival, October. The local arts festival celebrated its 25th year in 2019 and is now looking to extend its reputation for delivering must-see performances into the next quarter-century. The event is kicked off by the one-of-a-kind Mask Parade, when thousands don specially created masks for waltzing through the city centre. The festival also features shows from local acts as well as those from around the world. nelsonartsfestival.nz New Zealand Cider Festival, Founders Park, 7 November. The

New Zealand Cider Festival will be back for its fourth year in 2021. It was devised to celebrate all things cider in the region, described by National Geographic as heaven for cider-seekers. Nelson produces more than half of the country's cider, and this is the place to taste it all. nzciderfestival.com Lantern Celebration, 14 December. A local favourite where performance, whimsy and a dose of magic greet everyone walking up the city's Botanical Hill. All are encouraged to bring a lantern, and when night falls on Nelson, the entire landscape is lit up. nelson.govt.nz