Gore events 2020

NZ Gold Guitar Awards, Gore, 5-7 June 2020. There is no greater event on the Gore calendar than the Gold Guitars. For 47 years Gore has hosted the NZ Gold Guitar Awards over Queen's Birthday weekend, but the event has swelled to a now week-long celebration of all things country music, with the NZ Country Music Awards, the MLT Songwriting Awards and the buskers festival (appropriately called ‘Freeze Ya

Bits Off' in 2019) all part of the festivities. Book accommodation early – there's no room to move between cowboy boots, hats and shoulder-slung guitars. goldguitars.co.nz

New Zealand International Film Festival, St James Theatre, Gore, August 2020. The best of New Zealand and international cinema comes to Gore thanks to this 50-year-old annual event. The festival begins in Auckland before heading to the regions, with Gore one of 13 towns taking part. There's a mix of documentaries, feature films and short films, with some straight from Cannes. nziff.co.nz

Hokonui Culture Feast, Gore Town and Country Club, June 2020. Diversity is on the menu at this annual evening dedicated to showcasing the rich flavours and cultures found within Gore. Not only is delicious food on offer, but there are cultural performances and workshops, as well as activities for kids. Don't miss the opening karakia and Address to the Haggis. gorenz.com/events Southern Field Days, Waimumu (12km south of Gore), 12-14 Feb 2020. This bi-annual 3-day event draws crowds from all over Southland.

Over 41,000 people enjoyed the show in 2018, with the local high school even shutting shop for the day so students could attend. Highlights include the Southern Man Competition, the Tractor Pull and an appearance from the Highlanders and Crusaders Super Rugby teams. southernfielddays.co.nz