The avo beat IS BACK!

These three acts are among a top line-up of entertainers at the Avocado Food & Wine Festival which is a great family day out.

The Avocado Food and Wine Festival organising committee is totally amped for this Saturday’s event, held in the Avocado Capital of NZ.

“Ticket sales online have already passed those of last year and ticket sales from the Arts Junction are steadily going out,” said committee member Jacqui Knight.

“The early bird ticket price is $20 per person or $25 at the gate so it pays to purchase in advance, plus you will get through the gate a lot quicker with a pre-purchased ticket.”

The festival organisers want to ensure that everyone has a good day so please be aware that on the day gates open at 11am and tickets will be $25 per person. People under 18 years are free (when accompanied by an adult).

This year sees an increase in food and beverage vendors with the return of some favourites and a few new ones to maintain a wide variety.

“Our amazing selection of wineries and food vendors have everything you could possibly want — wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee and all sorts of delicious meals and snacks. Bring cash, we do have eftpos on site but cash will make your life much easier.

“On the way out when leaving the venue, please be respectful of neighbours and remember you are entering a liquor ban area.”

To make it easy for festival goers, Jacqui suggests arranging transport, either walk, bike or car-pool with friends. Parking is limited around the venue but there is parking available in Kotahi Lane or at the old Twickenham site on the corner of Mulgan St for $5. Kate’s Kabs will be offering a shuttle service from the venue on a regular basis. People can pre-book this by calling 022 045 0525.

The festival is very much a family event with the Eastpack free kids zone available with activities for children.

One of the Bay’s most experienced chefs, Shane Yardley, is always a popular drawcard demonstrating in the Seeka tent. And with the talented line-up of music performed on the Apata main stage, with the sound sponsored by 1st Signs — this festival is lining up to be one of the best yet.

With the hot summer days of late, don’t forget sunblock, hats and sunnies. There will be gazebos up with tables and chairs.

Jacqui said people are welcome to bring a chair or picnic rug too and please no dogs, just lots of people!

“Please leave food and drink at home.”

The Beat Girls are back to have some fun at the 2019 Avocado Food and Wine Festival. The sassy trio wowed the crowd at the 2017 festival and are ready to do it again.

Talented singer/songwriter Sarah Spicer will wow the crowd with her soulful voice. Spicer of Waihi captivated audiences with her soul sounds when a finalist in X Factor NZ. She had more than 1.1 million views of her X Factor performance and later opened for US star Michael Bolton, who called her “one of the best warm-up artists” he had seen in many years.

Late 80s Mercedes will have you groovin’ till your feet hurt.The Late 80s Mercedes band infuse classic rock and pop/funk with their swing flavour. Mercedes adds a ‘brass’ section to a solid band line-up.

Cooking up a storm in the Seeka tent is Shane Yardley, one of the Bay’s most experienced and widely travelled chefs. He will be demonstrating tasty avocado dishes to show “how it’s done”.

The all-important signpost helps people navigate the festival.