A fusion of fire, fashion, and performance art will ignite Tauranga next weekend as Elemental Events returns for its third year, promising a night of immersive creativity at Tōtara Street.
The show begins at 8pm and runs until 1am, with the Fat Buddha food truck serving nachos all night long.
Each performance will be inspired by one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and aether.
Guests are invited to become a part of the experience by dressing up as their chosen element.
Around 350 guests are expected, alongside more than 30 cast and crew members from across the country.
A performer at Elemental Events 2024 at Mount Maunganui's Tōtara Street. Photo / Thomas Vincent
Producer and director Nicole McCartie said the event is more than just a show.
“It’s a collaborative playground for adults.”
Each hour focuses on a different element, with air kicking the night off. Earth follows, then water, fire, and aether.
Tattooing and live body painting will be available for guests, with artists using neon body paint.
A model will also be painted live. The audience will witness the masterpiece come together, said McCartie.
The fire performances will take place outside the venue because of safety regulations. Artists will perform interpretive dances with fiery props.
McCartie brought the first Elemental Events to Tauranga in 2023.
But “all the performances are new this year”, she said.
A fire artist performing at Elemental Events 2024. Photo / Thomas Vincent
Having grown up in Tauranga, McCartie wanted to make the city more vibrant and “bring something a little bit edgier” to town.
She and her team will donate a portion of ticket sales to the Mental Health Foundation.
“Everyone has their struggles. We want to create a space where people can actually enjoy and express themselves properly.”
They plan to hold more community events in future, possibly launching a smaller series that echoes the annual extravaganza.
Tickets for Elemental Events can be purchased at Elemental Event Tauranga – Totara Street
The details
What: Elemental Events
When: Saturday, November 8 from 8 pm to 1 am
Where: Tōtara Street