Rare venue to host Arts Fest

FAMED: The Spiegeltent was built in 1920 from wood, mirrors, canvas and detailed in velvet and brocade. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The famous Spiegeltent is coming to Hawke's Bay.

It will be the venue for the first Hawke's Bay Arts Festival.

World-class entertainment will be on offer from national and local performers set within a venue worthy of its own show.

The famous Spiegeltent, built in 1920, has spent its lifetime at festivals and fairgrounds throughout Europe and beyond.

Only a handful of these "tents of mirrors" are left in the world today. Built of wood, mirrors, canvas and detailed in velvet and brocade, each has its own personality and style.

Festival director Pitsch Leiser said an arts festival in Hawke's Bay was overdue.

"We are honoured and excited to secure such a legendary venue to host the inaugural festival.

"With the generous support of The Hastings District and Napier City councils, Creative New Zealand and corporate sponsors, trusts and foundations, we will feature a fantastic programme of dance, music, circus, cabaret, theatre and a literary series."

The festival will run from October 27 to November 8 in Havelock North.

Tickets will go on sale from early next month and will be available to purchase via the festival website www.hbaf.co.nz.