Hunter believes that the successful sale of tickets prior to line-up announcements is a reflection of the strong local support of the event, which allows the event to sell based solely on its reputation.
"Outfield is different to other events as it weighs in with music, food and art. The festival is also an inclusive environment for all ages to enjoy.
"We want to make anyone who wants to come feel like it's an event for them. We have 60-year-olds and 4-year-olds to newborns attending the event, we host a broad demographic and welcome all walks of life."
Creating an environment that ignites connection with the community and sensory stimulation is a key focus for festival organisers Andy Hill, Reuben Vergis, Haydn Middleton and Hunter.
"Outfield's strength is the breadth and array of different options and styles within an idyllic Te Awanga setting. Our art offerings are a key pillar of this, such as the eye sculpture on the hilltop last summer or the forest that was strung with mobiles, it's these finer details that make Outfield special," Hunter said.
The all-seeing eye installation at last summer's Outfield in the Te Awanga Downs. Photo / Michelle Hepburn
Through partnering with Closed Loop Event Waste Management, the previous festival was able to recycle 76.5 per cent of its waste.
This year the festival aims to better that statistic.
"We aim to become fully sustainable through recycling more of our waste in the future," Hunter said.
With the country in a state of nationwide lockdown, festivals like Outfield provide some hope for a lockdown-free future for people in the region and beyond.
"We also want to promote a positive feeling at this time, when we know the going is tough for lots of people. Festivals like Outfield provide something for people to look forward to, express themselves, connect and share experiences," he said.
