If you're a stallholder, food truck operator, street performer or musician and want the opportunity to promote yourself or your business at the Coro 200 Illume Festival - the Thames Coromandel District Council wants to hear from you.

Over Queen's Birthday Weekend, from May 29-31 2020, the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the visit of the Royal Navy Ship ‘Coromandel,' after which the town and our peninsula are named, will combine with the Illume Festival in Coromandel Town.

Organisers are still looking for stalls and food trucks to sell their products at the Power Co Night Markets on the main street of Coromandel Town during the festival. There is a small cost of approximately $40 per night.

The main road will be closed from the Tiki Rd, Wharf Rd and Kapanga Rd roundabout up to the library, with a bypass in place around the back through Woollam's Avenue.

Street performers and musicians are also invited to perform at Samuel James Reserve over the weekend.

"This is a really good opportunity to market yourself, network and make business contacts," says Thames Coromandel Council's Communications Group Manager Laurna White.

'If you are interested in setting up a stall, selling food or performing at the Coro 200 Illume Festival contact Daniel Smith at illume.coromandel@gmail.com.”

Coromandel-Colville Community Board Chairman Peter Pritchard says the previous Coromandel Illume Festival helped put Coromandel Town on the map as an event destination.

'It also boosted tourism numbers for local businesses during our non-peak holiday season," says Peter.

On Friday May 29 there will be a DJ performing at the Barry Brickell Memorial Stage. The Disney Kids Zone will also be on Friday night for parents to take their children to enjoy a variety of fun Disney activities.

On Saturday May 30 there will be a themed ball at the Coromandel Citizens Hall, in conjunction with live music at the Samuel James Reserve featuring talented musician Gemma Louden as part of the entertainment for the weekend. Tickets for the ball are $30 per person and can be bought at the Coromandel Information Centre.

The dedication for the HMS Coromandel will be at 11am Saturday May 30 at the Whangarahi Reserve followed by a commemorative planting at the Albert Street Reserve.

The street parade follows on Sunday May 31.

'We are encouraging locals and businesses to participate in this,” says Laurna. 'You can decorate anything from floats, cars, trailers, push prams, or just yourself. There will also be the Richardsons Real Estate fireworks display over the town and the live music will continue at Samuel James Reserve.”

Organisers would like to acknowledge all the sponsors for making this event happen.

'A special thank you goes out to Richardson's Real Estate, Power Co, Pritchard's, Jan Autumn Celebrant Services, Coromandel Quarry and Contracting, Pepper Tree, Star and Garter, and the Coromandel Four Square.

'There is still a number of roles available for volunteers and all help is appreciated with general preparation and setting up duties on the day.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is asked to contact Daniel Smith by email: illume.coromandel@gmail.com.