Our Festival, Our Future
Dear Greytown,
As another Festival of Christmas concluded last month, I’ve been reflecting on how far we have come together.
Seven years ago, transforming a quiet Wairarapa winter into a nationally recognised celebration seemed ambitious. Today, the Festival of Christmas is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive winter events, attracting thousands of visitors to Greytown during what was once our quietest season.
What makes me most proud is that this success belongs to all of us.
The festival has helped put Greytown on the national map, strengthened our reputation as a wonderful place to live and work, and supported the independent businesses that make our town so special.
Its impact extends well beyond Main Street. Each year, local schools, sports clubs, volunteer organisations, community groups, charities, and emergency services benefit from fundraising opportunities created through the festival. These organisations help make Greytown what it is, and we are proud to support their work.
The Festival of Christmas has become more than an event. It has become one of Greytown’s most valuable community assets.
But while it is ours, it is also ours to protect.
Across New Zealand, other towns are creating their own winter festivals and festive experiences. Competition is growing, and to remain successful we must continue investing in fresh attractions, memorable experiences, entertainment, decorations, and marketing that keep Greytown at the forefront.
The Country Village Heaven Trust remains committed to that vision. We continue to seek sponsorships, grants, and partnerships, while also exploring ways for local residents to play a greater role in securing the festival’s future.
That is why we have created a Festival Supporters Club.
For $20 per month, supporters can help create a stable funding base for the festival’s future. In return, members could enjoy benefits including:
Invitations to exclusive preview events
Early access to festival
tickets
Discounts with participating Greytown businesses
Priority booking opportunities
Recognition as founding supporters
An annual behind-the-scenes festival update
A commemorative annual supporters pin or badge
We also recognise that regular contributions may not suit everyone and we have options for one-off donations and larger annual supporter contributions.
The Festival of Christmas was built by a community willing to think differently and dream bigger. Whether you’ve attended events, volunteered, welcomed visitors, bought merchandise, or simply spread the word, you have helped make it what it is today.
The Festival Supporters Club is simply another way to help ensure the festival continues delivering benefits to our businesses, schools, clubs, community groups, and future generations.
If you value a thriving town centre, vibrant local businesses, and a community that continues to punch above its weight, I invite you to consider being part of this next chapter.
Let’s ensure that what we have built together remains something Greytown is known for, celebrated for, and proud of for many years to come.
Because this festival belongs to all of us.
And its future should too.
Yours sincerely,
Adam Blackwell
Country Village Heaven Trust
Festival Supporters Club
Let's make sure that what we have built together remains something Greytown is known for, celebrated for, and proud of for many years to come.
