Cirque, Song And Standing Ovations: Arts Festival Wraps After Strong Return

The 2025 Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival has officially wrapped after ten days of stand-out events across the region. With over 4,200 attendees across paid events and strong turnout throughout the programme, organisers are calling the tenth anniversary Festival a success.

Highlights included Cirque Bon Bon, which added a fourth show due to demand, and Guru of Chai, which returned for two performances at Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre. Several events at smaller venues also reached capacity, including Of Sea and Sky at the National Aquarium in Napier, The Velvet Rebels cabaret on the Opera House stage, This, In Here at the Hastings Community Arts Centre, and the Martin House and Kilns Tour.

Festival Director Jade Baker says the return of the Festival after a year off was met with warmth and enthusiasm.

“There was a real sense of energy and connection this year. You could feel people embracing the Festival – turning out for live performance, discovering new spaces, and sharing those moments together.

“Reaching our tenth year gave us a chance to reflect on what matters most to our audiences. This year’s programme was about creating shared experiences – the kinds of shows you enjoy with your friends, your whānau, your colleagues – and walk away from feeling inspired, entertained, or moved.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make it what it was.”

The shift to a ten-day format was a strategic decision, helping the team focus energy and resources on the events audiences were most excited to see. It allowed for a more streamlined delivery while still offering a diverse and ambitious programme. Despite the reduced format, attendee numbers were on par with those in 2023.

While this year happened to be delivered by an all-female team, Baker says that wasn’t the focus. “It wasn’t about being an all-female team – it was about being a lean, empowered, and highly skilled one. I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve. Everyone brought their expertise, clarity and passion. That’s what made the difference.”

Looking ahead, the team says ideas for 2026 are already flowing and they’re now inviting audience feedback to help shape what comes next.

“There’s so much on offer in the arts world, and we’ll be responding to what Hawke’s Bay audiences are telling us. That’s the best part of Festival planning – hearing what people loved, and what they’d love to see more of.”

© Scoop Media