Organisers of the Mt Maunganui festival are getting right back to the roots of this long standing celebration of fine ales and culinary cusine. The coming event will see a major shift towards genuine craft and premium ales replacing the major beer brands, Lion Red, Speights Gold, Tui, Export and Waikato. Chairman of the organising committee, Garry Waldron says that the festival has always been positioned to appeal to the 30yr plus audience. He says that market research commissioned after the last festival has confirmed that this audience is looking for more variety with the beverages available and in particular more craft beers. Armed with this information, the committee is introducing a range of locally produced and imported craft and premium beers that have not perviously been available at the event. This includes ales from some of the worlds most renown beer producing countries in Europe.
The research also showed that patrons in the target group are seeking more blues music where in recent years we have endeavoured to provide something for everyone, says Garry. So for 2009 the entertainment line-up will be a solid top class blues festival with the absolute best blues artists that we can find.
Garry acknowledges that the move to solely craft and premium beers and increased focus on blues music will likely see attendance by those under 30 years declining. But being frank he says, the festival has never been targeted at this group and believes that the new strategy that has been endorsed by the committee is sensible and will help ensure that the locals continue to enjoy this extravaganza of great music, fine ales and culinary cuisine for many years to come.
Other News:
The forthcoming Mt Maunganui Blues Brews & BBQ's festival will be held on Saturday afternoon the 15th January. The change to a Saturday is a result of a specific request by the Police and Tauranga City Council that had indicated that the Special License would be opposed if applied for to operate on the traditional Thursday afternoon and evening. The Police in particular sought for the festival to be run within daylight hours to assist with enforcement of liquor licensing matters. Moving to a Saturday afternoon brings the event into line with the other Blues, Brews & BBQ's events that are also held during daylight hours and other major food and beverage events. Organisers also believe that the change will see an increase in demand for this highly popular events since it is less likely to clash with work commitments for many of those wanting to attend. We expect that people will arrive earlier and in fact derive better value from being able to attend for the full event duration.
Ticket pricing for the Mt Maunganui event is likely to remain at a very economical $25.
Festival organisers are delighted to announce that Bulmer Cider will be joining the festivals again for the summer of 2010. This follows a highly successful partnership that was developed last year. Bulmer Cider is a premium New Zealand produce with its roots in Gisborne. Now part of the Fosters Group, the company has signed up as the exclusive provider of Cider to all three festivals, Mt Manuganui, Hastings and Blenheim.
Organisers are delighted that Bulmer Cider will again be part of the festivals saying that it will complement the focus on craft brewed ales and add greater variety to an already extensive range of beverages.
Patrons arriving at the Mt Maunganui festival in January will find a somewhat different process to gain entry. Other than the usual ticket check, those with bags will need to be prepared to have them checked for alcohol, food, drugs and party pills. These are all prohibited items for the festival.
Those aged between 18 years and 25 years, or anyone fortunate enough to look this young will then need to present ID in the form of a photo drivers license, a passport or an HANZ 18+ card. A coloured wristband will be issued to those aged 18 years and over and it will not be possible to purchase beverages without the wristband.
Organisers also anticipate that the use of bands will have other positive benefits. The age-old problem of people jumping the fence and steeling a glass will be nailed since they will be unable to obtain the wrist band. Organisers also believe that this small group is substantially responsible for the occasional disorderly behaviour incidents that they attend to.
The introduction of wristbands is expected to make a positive contribution to what is already regarded as the best day out on the Bay’s summer calendar.