January 31 2011

The early departure of Cyclone Wilma made way for a sunny and successful Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival on Saturday.

Despite heavy rain on Saturday morning the weather cleared in time for gates opening at 10am. However organisers faced a nerve-wracking few hours waiting for blue skies.

Event manager Carol-Ann Stubbs said while safety was paramount on making their decision, they were reluctant to cancel with thousands of tickets already pre-sold.

“A large number of pre-sold tickets were held by out-of towners so we really didn’t want to disappoint anyone, although we did have rain insurance.”

High winds throughout the region until after midday also left some marquees needing extra reinforcements however stallholder Roland Norman from Tukipo River Estate Wines said it all added to the character of the event.

“Most people were just pleased to see the sun shining and were prepared to put up with the wind and the views from Roy’s Hill are so spectacular it was worth it,” Mr Norman said.

By mid afternoon the conditions were perfect as more than two thousand wine lovers enjoyed kiwi band Ardijah and Auckland DJ Dick Magik Johnson with gates closing at 6pm.

Hastings Police were said to be “very happy” with the crowd which was well behaved throughout the day.

ENDS

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