Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival another big success this year

Posted on the 6 September 2016

Music is again proving popular with arts festival audiences, with Canadian country star Tami Neilson and New Zealand music legends’ Don McGlashan and Shayne Carter’s performances both sell outs.

Likewise, talented songstress Margot Wuts confirms her standing as a local favourite with tickets being snapped up for this year’s performance. Following the sell-out success of her Nina Simone tribute at last year’s festival, Margot’s new all-women ensemble, The Duchess Club has more than three quarters sold.

Within weeks of tickets going on sale, more than 5,000 tickets have been issued across the 55 performances. Festival Director Pitsch Leiser says a number of other shows are selling strongly, including Daffodils, Songs for the Fallen, No Holds Bard and family favourite, Trash Test Dummies. “People should book early to avoid disappointment. If you leave it until the last minute, you may well miss out,” he says.

Despite the rush on tickets, Mr Leiser says there are still plenty of fantastic performances on offer throughout the 13 days and he hopes audiences will take the opportunity to stretch themselves. “The point of an arts festival is not just to entertain, but to challenge, provoke and spark discussion. We hope people will take the opportunity to push themselves outside of their normal comfort zones.”

New venues for the 2016 festival, including the Municipal and Century Theatres in Napier, The Blyth Performing Arts Centre at Iona College and performances at two Hastings art galleries, mean there are plenty of opportunities to see different acts in a variety of unique locations. Once again, a Spiegeltent will form the hub of the festival, sited on the newly developed Havelock North Village Green.

Mr Leiser says it’s heartening to see the positive response to the second Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival. “Judging by the huge response, our programme is obviously striking a chord with Hawke’s Bay audiences. It shows the public’s hunger for quality arts, culture and entertainment.”