Musical day of good, clean fun

The overwhelming support and positive feedback from 11,000 festival goers at this year's inaugural Summerfest has meant that the event will be back on Saturday, February 2, next year at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui. Headline acts include I Am Giant, Titanium, J Williams, The Leers and about 15 local acts, including Matt Bodman, RPM, Leilani Taula, Eyes of May and Swamp Thing.

Summerfest has got the big tick to become an annual feature on Tauranga's events' calendar - it was a first for our performing arts' community to have this opportunity to showcase its talent to a home crowd. All of the artists were Bay of Plenty acts performing their own original music, with the headliners providing a glimpse of what our local artists can achieve on the national and international stage.

Summerfest is all about supporting the development of our region's performing arts' creative talent. It provides an ideal forum for up-and-coming artists to gain greater exposure.

Showcasing our local performing artists, making it an alcohol-free family event, providing fun carnival rides and activities, having a range of quality food and public amenities, and keeping the ticket pricing affordable all work together to create the magic of Summerfest.

We are moving to one huge stage for the next event and it's a mix of the same as this year with non-stop sounds all day. From hip-hop, R&B;, rock, alternative, pop, folk and urban dance - Summerfest will again serve up something for everyone. The variety in the line-up is impressive, with individual artists, bands, cultural performances and dance crews.

The alcohol-free rider on the festival is a huge drawcard for families with young children, encouraged by the opportunity to have a day out in a safe, non-threatening environment. Eleven to 17-year-olds turned up in their droves this year, drawn by the affordable ticket price and headline acts. So get your tickets for a fantastic summer's day out - tickets would great Christmas gifts!

Earlybird tickets are available until December 20 through www.eventfinda.co.nz and at Creative Tauranga on Willow St, Tauranga. ANZ Bayfair branches will also have ticket sales available on set dates; check out the Summerfest Facebook page for announcements.

Under 5's free;

Youth (5-18 years) $10;

Adults $20;

Family $40 (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children).