Editorial: An exciting weekend for twin cities

The Art Deco Opening Soiree has already sold out this weekend.

Hawke's Bay twin cities step back in time today, as the 27th year of Art Deco Weekend begins.

Napier, especially, will be bursting at the seams at the weekend as thousands of people descend on the city to take part in hundreds of events or just stroll the streets and take in the sights.

There will be traffic hold-ups and queues for coffee and food, but that really doesn't matter because there will be plenty to look at while you wait.

There are, of course, the naysayers who every year complain about the "waste of council money", the traffic, the people everywhere, in fact everything about Art Deco appears to upset these people.

Fair enough if you don't like dressing up in clothes from a bygone era, dancing in the streets, picnicking, steam trains - make sure you do your shopping today so you don't have to venture into town.

Art Deco Weekend is an absolute boon for Hawke's Bay and anything that helps our businesses should be welcomed with open arms.

Personally I love seeing the streets thronging with people - the atmosphere is always incredible.

Smiles all round, with strangers commenting on each other's outfits and adorable children walking around proudly in their costumes.

Sixteen events, including the Opening Soiree, have sold out.

There are loads of free events and new ones this year, included Dilmah High Tea Session For Two, Art Deco Secrets, a youth ball, BBQ Beachside and Deco Dancers.

So get out and enjoy the atmosphere, do the Charleston, listen to some jazz, check out the flappers and, most of all, have fun.