Nimon Court in the Bay fancy-dress netball festival draws crowds

Nimon Court in the Bay netball festival team Harlequinettes with netball star Irene van Dyk. Photo/Leeanne Jude

Hawke's Bay played host to 60 teams for a fun-filled fancy dress netball tournament last week.

The second annual Nimon Court in the Bay netball festival had players from all over the North Island come to Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park on Friday and Saturday for the event.

Hawke's Bay Netball operations manager Tina Arlidge said she was thrilled to have so many players enter the tournament.

The number of teams increased from 34 last year to 60 with the number from outside Hawke's Bay also growing.

"Hawke's Bay Netball's goal was to have 80 teams over a five-year period so to reach 60 in its second year is a very positive sign that this will be achieved," Ms Arlidge said.

The festival is targeted at women's, men's and mixed teams of over-18-year-olds with additional fun activities including an egg throw, hobby-horse racing, tug of war, relays and a water-balloon game.

"The timing of the tournament is after the winter season has finished whereby some teams use it as an end-of-season trip away," she said.

"With the financial support from Nimon as naming rights sponsor, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council we were able to put on a fantastic event with very positive feedback and it's a great event for the region."

Irene van Dyk and Kimiora Poi were the event special guests who got involved in activities, jumped on the court a few times for different teams and were the guest speakers at the function on the Saturday night.

This year the function was a Nimon Court in the Bay's Got Talent.

Wellington team Wine, Cheese and Irene took the out competition with an LED light show.