This morning, thousands of participants and spectators with their classic vehicles and outfits will cruise from Whangamata to Whitianga for the Repco Whitianga Beach Party.

“Who cares about the rain? It's clearing and we have the cars streaming into the Ford Reserve at Williamson Park in Whangamata,” says Noddy Watts, Repco Beach Hop organiser. “The Repco Whitianga Beach Party is all go.”

“This event has received great support from the Whitianga community, our Mercury Bay Community Board, local media - The Informer, and the Mercury Bay Events Trust who are helping to make this a great event with live music and food,” says our Mayor Sandra Goudie.

Please take care on our roads in the rain and note, with the cars cruising through to Whitianga today, traffic delays are likely.

There are road closures in place. We apologise for any inconvenience and ask for your patience on our roads.

There will be a complete closure of the following roads in Whitianga from 7:30am to 3pm today to accommodate vehicle displays, entertainment and spectator access:

• Blacksmith Lane (from Albert St to The Esplanade)

• The Esplanade (from the boat ramp entrance to Blacksmith Lane)

See www.tcdc.govt.nz/BH2019 for more information.

Tonight in Whangamata, head along to the Kiwi Plates Nostalgia Quiz Night featuring Gerry Lee at the Whangamata Club or the Classic Comedy Night at Jack Daniels HQ. Tomorrow, Friday 29 March, the Hop hits Onemana for the 'Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise' and then back to Beach Hop central in Whangamata over the weekend for the grand parade, vintage markets, live bands, auctions, pin up shows, hot rods, classic cars, retro caravans and motorbikes shows, and so much more.

For more information about the scheduled events check out the event website www.beachhop.co.nz or grab a copy of the Repco Beach Hop programme for a full list of events.

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