Plenty of music, drama at arts festival
The 18th Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival kicks off this week with performances which won’t disappoint loyal fans or those visiting the event for the first time.
Big ticket items this year include a Bob Marley tribute show, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Backyard Beats and an Outdoor Film series.
Marketing manager Yvonne Milroy said there had been ticket sales from as far as the Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, with three events already sold out.
The Gardens After Dark event, which is to be held at 9.30pm on opening night, enticed writers and storytellers alike and sold out in 17 days.
Two weeks before the festival commenced, The Lyon Sisters performance and Opera at Twilight’s Wednesday show both sold out. They were also on the verge of selling out Friday night’s performance of My Son Pinocchio Jr.
Milroy said they were completely gobsmacked.
‘‘Ticket sales are well ahead of last year’s festival sales. I attribute that to this year’s robust and strategic marketing campaign,’’ she said.
‘‘There’s been wonderful interest right across the festival, from the children’s events through to the comedy acts’’.
There are seven other events to be held on Friday, February 17, including a tribute to The Beatles.
Helter Skelter will perform a two-hour gig filled with all of The Beatles classics, fusing the sounds of John, Paul, George and Ringo with their own group dynamics. The performance will be held inside the weather-proof, Pacific Crystal Palace.
Situated on Governors’ Lawn just beyond Rogers Rose Garden, the palace is a 300-seat performance space that feels like a permanent venue.
Milroy said the big gig for them this year was Marley: NZ All Stars Celebrate the Legend.
Held on Saturday, February 18, the tribute concert features Kiwi icons like Tiki Taane, Boh Runga, Laughton Kora and Fran Kora.
‘‘It’s a fantastic line-up. It’s been incredible working with everyone putting the entire event together.’’
Now, the only thing they’re hoping for is fine weather, she said.
However, there are wetweather venues for a lot of the acts and organisers have the ability to move people around if need be.
For more information about the acts, or to see the full programme, visit: www.hgaf.co.nz