Bayleys new Garden Marlborough sponsor

Marlborough’s premier garden event has a new principal sponsor for its 31st event this November.

The Garden Marlborough team has announced Bayleys Marlborough as the new principal sponsor, taking over from outgoing principal sponsor Rapaura Springs.

Bayleys Marlborough managing director Glenn Dick said the garden event embodied values that resonated with the Bayleys Marlborough team.

“Garden Marlborough holds a special place in our hearts as an iconic event in the region’s calendar.

“We are very committed to celebrating our region and see this event as a great way to engage with the community and showcase Marlborough to the many visitors and locals alike.”

Garden Marlborough sponsorship chairperson Ben McLauchlan said the team was delighted to have the locally owned-and-operated business support the event.

“We believe they are the perfect partner to help us to maintain our status as New Zealand’s premier garden event, and our vision to be one of the world’s leading garden events,” McLauchlan said.

“Bayleys Marlborough are fantastic supporters of the Marlborough community, and we are very fortunate to have their support as our main sponsor.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to showcase the Marlborough region, and we look forward to working alongside Glenn, and the Bayleys team to elevate the festival to new heights.”

Last year, Garden Marlborough celebrated its 30th event, with record ticket sales, featuring United Kingdom-based The Land Gardeners, the annual Garden Party at Longfield featuring Tom Knowles, and the Stihl Shop Garden Fete rounding out the event with more than 200 stalls.

The organisation was a non-profit registered charity, and involved many volunteers who supported the event with registration, tour guides and workshop hosting, the annual free market event, and many others.

The Garden Marlborough committee thanked the outgoing naming sponsor, Rapaura Springs, and the Neylon and Wiffen families. Rapaura Springs came on board in 2018, after the families’ long association with the event.

“Their incredible support and enthusiasm for the event for the past six years, has allowed Garden Marlborough to grow to the event it is today. Rapaura Springs will continue to be the wine supplier for the event, and Garden Marlborough are delighted to be able to continue offering their award-winning wines to our visitors.”

This year’s Garden Marlborough would be held from November 7 to 10, and aimed to showcase the region’s best gardens and landscapes, with a range of garden tours, workshops and special events.

The four-day festival, designed by gardeners, for gardeners, attracted both Kiwi and international visitors and would sell more than 4000 tickets.

Tickets would go on sale on July 22, and would range in price from $60 to $240.