Local stars at Christmas in the Park
A nationwide talent search for Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park always uncovers rising musicians in Canterbury. Meet the five locals performing with a star-studded cast at one of New Zealand’s most exciting free Christmas celebrations in front of a massive live audience at Hagley Park this 28 November.
Some of Canterbury’s most exciting performers will take centre stage when Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park returns to Christchurch’s Hagley Park on Saturday 28 November, starting at 7.30pm. The show’s nationwide talent search uncovered a strong line-up of local performers, with artists from across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri joining this year’s cast.
Cleo Fitzgerald @cleo_bea
Lyttelton’s Cleo Fitzgerald, who gained fame at a young age for her potential to become New Zealand’s next country pop princess, recently won the NZCMA Entertainer of the Year title. She also won the 2025 Junior Gold Guitar and went on to represent New Zealand at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Cleo recently headlined her own Cleo & Co show at the Lyttelton Arts Festival and, for the first time, will perform at both the Christchurch and Auckland Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park shows this year.
Jesse Clifford @jessecliffordmusic
Described as “destined for stardom” is Shirley’s Jesse Clifford, a Year 10 student at St Andrew’s College. Jesse joins the show after starring in productions of Oliver Jr., The Sound of Music and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical; he plays tenor saxophone and performs in the St Andrew’s College choir which recently won silver at The Big Sing finale.
Briar Sharp @briarsharpmusic
Rising country music talent Briar Sharp joins the cast, a Year 11 student at St Margarets College, who won the overall 2024 Junior Gold Guitar, was named 2026 Junior Country Music Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year, and spent two weeks in Nashville recording an album, due for release late November.
Matt Ioane @mattioane
Matt Ioane, from Millhaven, comes to the show fresh from performing in Showbiz Christchurch’s Jersey Boys and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal.
Emma Moore @emmabrooke_music
A singer/songwriter, Emma is known for her smooth vocals and unique blend of jazz and R&B, involved within music and musical theatre since she was eight years old.
Other local performers include Molly Pawson, Olivia Eady and Bazi Baker and together they’ll join the wider ensemble cast for a huge night of world class, home-grown entertainment in front of a massive live audience at Hagley Park.
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Main image: Cleo Fitzgerald performing at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2025
