Exciting acts for first arts festival

Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival director Pitsch Leiser, at last night's launch. Photo Paul Taylor

With the temporary closure of the Hawke's Bay Opera House, the region has been lacking in arts and culture.

As a result, Creative Hastings has established the Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival.

The full line-up for the inaugural festival was revealed at a lavish launch at The Hastings Community Arts Centre last night. Guests were greeted at the door with a glass of bubbles and the Anton Wuts trio performed. About 100 people, including naming sponsors and key supporters, attended.

The festival is a collaboration between Creative NZ and the Hastings District and Napier City councils.

Hastings councillor Sandra Hazlehurst said the festival would be a highlight on the Hawke's Bay events calendar.

"There was no convincing required - everyone we spoke to jumped on board," Mrs Hazlehurst said.

"I can't wait for the shows to start - I'll be at every one."

Commencing on October 27, the festival will feature acts ranging from theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance and music to circus performances.

In total, 29 acts will perfom at more than 40 events in 13 days.

Festival director Pitsch Leiser said the journey of bringing the festival to the Bay had been an "amazing ride".

Mr Leiser said his team had tried its best to ensure the festival could be enjoyed by all ages.

"There's something for everyone with a smorgasbord of events, catering to all tastes."

With artists coming to Hawke's Bay from Australia, Ireland and Denmark, it will be a festival with international flavour.

All performances will be at the Havelock North Domain.

-Tickets are on sale now and programmes are available from iSites and Harcourts offices in Napier, Hastings, Taradale and Havelock North, as well as local cafs and libraries.