Eric Clapton All Set To Take Centre Stage

Immediate release 22 January 2007

Eric Clapton All Set To Take Centre Stage At 15th Annual Mission Concert This Weekend

The 15th Annual Mission Concert is set to take place this weekend with international star Eric Clapton performing.

Since the inaugural 1993 Mission Concert, featuring premier New Zealand artist Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the Mission Estate Winery has hosted a fine array of international artists - from the late Ray Charles, to Sir Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys and Rod Stewart.

Tickets to this year's concert, set in the natural amphitheatre of the Mission Estate Winery, sold out within hours of going on sale.

Peter Holley, CEO of Mission Estate Winery, says the Annual Mission Concert has grown to become one of New Zealand's iconic musical events, with visitors travelling to the Hawke's Bay from all over to experience the Mission Concert.

"The Mission Concert over the years has certainly captured the hearts of not only the Hawke's Bay, but the whole country. As well as performances from top international talent, the idyllic setting of the Mission vineyard adds to the atmosphere of the concert, making it the perfect occasion to enjoy a summer's evening with friends," says Mr Holley.

"Visitors often comment that there's nothing like the Mission Concert, which is why they return each year."

Garry Craft, Event Director for SEL, says: "This year's Mission Concert is the only show Eric Clapton is performing in New Zealand, as we managed to secure the only available date on his World Tour. It's going to be a fantastic evening."

Mission Estate Winery ran a national competition for those that missed out on tickets to the concert. Bryan Lovegrove from Wellington won the VIP trip for two to the Concert, including travel and accommodation, as well as two Reserve front row seats.
Mr Holley says this year's Mission Concert competition has been the most successful ever held with more than 12,000 entries, and this reflects the wide national interest in the Mission Concert. In addition, 10 people won double General Admission tickets to the concert, and Eric Clapton CD prize packs distributed to a further 50 winners.

"We had a great response to the competition this year. Given the tickets sold out so quickly, we wanted to give as many people as possible the opportunity to be able to experience Eric Clapton's performance at the Mission Concert," says Mr Holley.

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