KEY POINTS:
Around 25,000 rock fans flocked to the Christian-based Parachute rock festival at Mystery Creek in the Waikato last night to hear US headline band Switchfoot and New Zealand's Spacifix.
The four-day festival, which started on Friday, has attracted thousands of Christian and secular music fans from around the country. Between 12,000 and 14,000 are camping on-site and sweltered yesterday in temperatures close to 30C.
"Everyone has managed to find a little bit of shade," said festival spokeswoman Tanya Cathro. She said the festival, featuring more than 100 acts, attracted a mixed "mainstream" audience.
However, Parachute does have a few rules - described as a "Moral Code" - which don't normally apply at rock festivals. Mixed tenting is not permitted unless couples are married, and festival-goers are asked to dress modestly. Bikini tops and skimpy beachwear are deemed inappropriate - even on hot days.
