Festival a hit with all sorts of folk

Craig Otto entertains the crowd at Aongatete Music Festival. Photo/George Novak

The 6th annual two-day Aongatete Music Festival once again proved a resounding success as music echoed around a Katikati family orchard.

The festival presented by Katikati Folk Club and Tauranga Acoustic Music Club kicked off on Friday night with a "Blackboard Concert" with people invited to write their names down on the board to sing or play a musical instrument.

On Saturday, the festival continued with a full day of music under the fig trees at Eco Works, the orchard property of Paul Hoggard and Penny Rowsell in Work Rd, south of Katikati.

Katikati Folk Club member Julie Webster enjoying the Aongatete Music Festival. Photo/George Novak

That included performances from headline acts The Wild Clovers [Paul and Penny are members] and The Wizard and Oz - the amazing duo of Andrew Farrell and David McMillan from Brisbane as well as other local musicians and guests.

With their interesting look, vast and diverse song list and their passionate, soulful performances, Farrell and McMillan are always a crowd favourite at any event.

Performing in an idyllic setting, the festival has gone from strength to strength each year.

"It's been an absolutely brilliant weekend," said Mr Hoggard, with 230 people and 18 mobile homes and campervans turning up, including a number of holidaymakers.

After being rained out last year, the weather couldn't have been better, he said.

Mr Hoggard said about 30 musicians performed over the weekend, and their performances were so well received, many people did not want to leave.

Katikati Folk Club member Julie Webster said the festival was a huge success, including the Pink Floyd set by The Wizard and Oz.

"It's been a fabulous weekend."