Kiwi entertainers at
Bay of Islands festival
 |
| The scene at Paihia on opening day of the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival |
Last week we traveled north to New Zealand’s beautiful
and historic Bay of Islands for the 24th annual BOI Country Rock
Festival – a truly wonderful event from Friday to Sunday with more than fifty local
and overseas entertainers.
 |
| This 12 year-old unofficial artist was later invited to sing with several draw-card performers |
Friday started with free street performances from most
entertainers, line dancers and one or two unofficial acts on the street and in
car parks. Passing showers on Friday and Saturday afternoons did little to
dampen the enthusiasm of the artists and the thousands who came to hear them.
 |
| The Kerikeri River, Bay of Islands, New Zealand |
The main program was spread over seven indoor venues in
the townships of Paihia, Russell and Kawakawa. Shuttle buses and ferries transported
people between venues, but some venues fell short on space for the audience and
their suitability for stage performances.
 |
| Seventeen year-old Abby singing at historic Russell |
The Bay of Islands event has long been New Zealand’s
premier country music festival but attendance in recent years has fallen due to
hard times and the loss of some key venues due to circumstances beyond the
control of long-time dedicated organizer Shirley May.
 |
| Crowd pleaser Dennis Marsh |
Perhaps the time has come to re-locate the festival to
Rotorua or Queenstown, also tourist towns, but with an abundance of excellent
facilities at that time of the year. The Rotorua District Council and the
Rotorua business community would leap at the opportunity to fill beds, shops
and conference facilities.
 |
| Roger Tibbs, 'The Golden Voice' |
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival could retain its
good name while spreading the event over more than one locality and weekend.
The absence of organized tour groups at the festival was noticeable and Rotorua
and Queenstown could add thousands more visitors from overseas.
 |
| Win Blakeborough and festival organizer Shirley May |
 |
| Graeme McCardle, a regular attraction at the festival |
Meanwhile, the Bay of Islands, although historic and
scenically attractive, only attracts about 5% of New Zealand’s overseas
visitors. Even the best brands need re-inventing from time to time and
re-invention requires looking right outside the square.
 |
Top performer Marian Burns
|
 |
| Enjoying the fun of the festival, Margaret and Geoff Arthur |
 |
| We traveled and camped at nearby Haruru Falls with fellow motor-homers Bob and Judy from Thames, Lloyd and Joan from Taupo, and Graeme and Fay from Napier. |
 |
When it was all over we took the scenic route back home. Not recommended for large vehicles
or rentals. The state highways are much better. |
No comments:
Post a Comment