Funny man Hurley to make Big Easy return

A group of last year's Big Easy participants enjoying the cycle tour.

Comedian Ben Hurley will return as this year's ambassador for The Big Easy cycling event, aimed at raising awareness and promoting the Hawke's Bay Trails.

This year it will be held on Easter Weekend, April 19, with a concert at Church Rd Winery organised to finish off the day.

The cycle tour will start at Havelock North Village Green at 10am and finish at Church Rd Winery in Taradale. The event route is 45km and is designed to showcase the Hawke's Bay Trails as well as its attractions and stops along the way.

The concert will be headlined by New Zealand music legends Rikki Morris, Annie Crummer and Jackie Clarke with local favourites Naked Gun and Power also on the line-up.

Hurley said he was looking forward to coming back after having a "blast" checking out the cycle trails.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said more than 1000 people enjoyed The Big Easy event last year. She said it was "a fantastic number of people to have as ambassadors for the Hawke's Bay Trails".

"It's Hawke's Bay's own special annual event. Our trails, compared with many others, are all about the attractions. We'd love to see more people get involved."

*Riders can pre-register at thebigeasy.co.nz. Entry costs $25 per adults and $10 for children.