People are being encouraged to bring along a picnic and a rug and settle in to enjoy free local entertainment as Music at the Band Rotunda returns to Government Gardens on Sunday afternoons in February and March.

The series will cover six Sunday afternoon sessions from 1pm – 3pm, starting Sunday, February 2.

Now in its 13th year, Music at the Band Rotunda continues to offer local performers the opportunity to showcase their talents each Sunday.

Rotorua Lakes Council Community Arts Advisor, Marc Spijkerbosch, has enjoyed watching this annual event grow.

'Many regulars arrive early to secure their special spot and bring along picnics and deck chairs. It is fantastic to be able to showcase some of our passionate local talent in these free performances."

The programme will offer two different performances each afternoon, featuring local musicians and groups including jazz, blues, country, roots, ukulele, show tunes, rock'n'roll, symphonic bands and much more.

This year the programme will offer two different performances each afternoon, featuring local musicians and groups including jazz, blues, country, roots, ukulele, show tunes, rock'n'roll, symphonic bands and much more.

Sunday 2 February 1pm Stave 2.15pm Simply Random

Sunday 9 February 1pm BOP Blues Band 2.15pm Sunrise Rockers

Sunday 16 February Art in the Park (10am – 4pm) www.artsvillage.org.nz

Sunday 23 February 1pm De Nova 2.15pm Jazzanovo

Sunday 1 March 1pm Gabriel's Presence 2.15pm The Thermaleles

Sunday 8 March 1pm Rotorua Symphonic Band 2.15pm Rotorua Brass Band

Sunday 15 March 1pm Evelyn Falconer 2.15pm Rhinestone Mining Company

Sunday 22 March 1pm Elisha Hulton & RBHS 2.15pm Nikau and the Natives

Note: Sunday 29 March will be left free as wet weather days if any of the previous shows are cancelled.

Music at the Band Rotunda is brought to you by Creative Rotorua and Rotorua Lakes Council.