Thousands of people hit the beach to enjoy the sun and hear some of the country's hottest singers.
Otumoetai College students Liana McSweeny, Briaana Young, both 14, and Suzanna Litten, 13, had been camped out for about three hours to make sure they got to see X-Factor contestant Benny Tipene perform at the Coke Loves Summer festival, at Mount Maunganui Main Beach about 2.30pm yesterday.
The trio were also planning to stay and see X-Factor winner Jackie Thomas and boy-band Moorhouse perform later in the day but Benny Tipene was the clear favourite.
"I'm excited," Briaana said. "He's got a good style of music."
Suzanna Litten was also hanging out to see the Kiwi pop star.