KEY POINTS:
When crowds of more than 50,000 people descended on the Auckland Domain last year for the annual Groove in the Park event, it was obvious things were going to have to change.
As the crowds dispersed from the outdoor concert, bottles and glass littered the park, requiring a
five day clean up operation to clear the debris.
Concerned about the growing size of the event, the Auckland City Council decreed the Domain was no longer a suitable venue, forcing organisers to head elsewhere.
Under new management, this year's event will be held at Western Springs Stadium and will feature a number of changes.
Greg Stoffels of Groove in the Park Ltd, which is responsible for this year's event, said the move has quadrupled operating costs, forcing organisers to impose a nominal entry fee.
"The council required a move. They wouldn't renew the term in the park. It simply got too big to fit in with their goals," said Stoffels.
"There were some bad repercussions that happened last year at Groove in the Park. It got to a stage where it was too hard to manage it as an open event where everyone could come."
This year, the event will be held in an enclosed, licensed area. There will be six bars on site but concert-goers will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol.
More than 20 artists will perform at the Waitangi Day concert, on three separate stages, including American house DJ, Roger Sanchez.
The concert, which has always been a family-friendly event, will feature an enclosed children's area this year, where Stoffels says parents can leave their children in supervised care while they explore the grounds.
"There's a lot of people out there who still like to go out and have a good time, but have children as well. We've made sure they'll be looked after while you go off and have a great time."
Stoffels said the event would feature more toilets and better security than last year, as well as a giant video screen broadcasting the main stage performances.
Despite these changes, Stoffels is adamant that the event is quintessentially the same as previous years, though he admits attendance will probably decline.
"We're expecting the numbers won't be as great as 50,000 people because ultimately, 50,000 people won't just stroll past and decide to come in."
However, he said advance tickets sales were going well and he expected a minimum turn out of 20,000 people.
Ten per cent of all ticket sales will go to the Child Cancer Foundation and children 15 years and under may attend free.
* Groove in the Park will take place next Tuesday, at Western Springs Stadium, from 11am to 9pm. Tickets are $10 available from TicketMaster.
* Alcohol may not be taken into the venue, but food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Full Line-up:
Roger Sanchez
OpenSouls
Antix
Sola Rosa
PN
Concord Dawn
DJ Spikey Tee (UK)
Jason Eli
Manuel Bundy
Retainers featuring MC Mana (Rhombus)
State Of Mind :
international attention
WBC
Antiform with MC Twincam
Tim Phin
Sam Hill
General Le
DJ Audit
The Roll Crew, feat Charlie B, Funkshun and Billy Fluid
Absolute Value
EMC
The Offbeat Crew feat. DJ Gull & Sam Owen
Emma G & Jess Hartley
MC Thane Kirby
MC Stu Tolan
MC Word Perfect
