15,000 under canvas at R&V

The checking-in of the 15,000 R&V festival goers who are going to be camping out for the next three days at Waiohika went smoothly yesterday as the carpark at the site gradually filled up (pictured). The image provided by the organisers shows the lay out of the ‘tent city’ they will call home between now and New Year’s Day. Pictures supplied

The transformation of Gisborne into fun city central’ has been completed as the 21st R&V Festival kicks into gear and the city bulges at the seams with predominantly young people here for a great New Year.

Gisborne’s CBD filled up steadily during the day yesterday as the 21,000 festival-goers began to arrive in town in force.

Police said they were pleased with driver behaviour as the visitors came into the district.

The 15,000 who will be living in the massive tent city set up out at Waiohika Estate began the checking-in process mid-morning yesterday and from reports received it went smoothly.

Campers had to have their tickets and suitable identification ready.

The R&V welcome mat was laid out by the organisation in a social media post last week — “The almighty East Coast/Tairāwhiti awaits your arrival. Much love from the R&V whanau.”

Once inside their tent city the campers had hours of entertainment ahead with the Waiohika Warm Up event that started yesterday afternoon.

On the Rhythm Stage were Cheff, Ciko, Cottzy, Edenna, Luca, Pollen Takeover, Sammy J, Shortball, Suune and Tweed.

The Cellar Stage featured O3lancer, Buttermilk, Candi, Convex Collective, Hyan, Mattythefriend, Messie, Mile High, Relocate and South Coast Systems.

Police yesterday established a high visibility presence with officers inside the R&V venue, and that included the carpark area outside.

“Everything seemed to run smoothly during the checking-in process yesterday and it was well organised,” a police spokesman said.

“Also, we had no issues with the influx of the R&V visitors coming into the district.”

Police have been monitoring the traffic flow into the region. “The driver behaviour has been good,” the spokesman said. “We ran a fatigue stop in the Waioeka Gorge and it was well received by the festival-goers and others who stopped there.”

Police said traditionally the behaviour of the people attending R&V has generally been really good.

“They pay a lot of money to come to the event and they are here to enjoy themselves. They don’t want to waste their money by getting arrested and being booted out of the venue.

“That certainly helps with behaviour.”

The festivities officially kick off at 2pm this afternoon, with the shows finishing at 12.30am tonight and tomorrow night.

On New Year’s Eve the party continues through to sunrise on New Year’s Day.