Winter Deco Weekend in Hawke's Bay gearing up with tickets on sale next week

Participants dressed up on Marine Parade for last year's Winter Deco Weekend. Photo / Supplied

Hawke's Bay's famed Winter Deco Weekend is gearing up for another year with tickets going on sale next week.

The boutique festival, organised by Art Deco Trust, will include three days of events showcasing the best Art Deco in the region from July 13-15.

This year's programme features a ball, vintage cocktail evenings, jazz performances, dining experiences, fashion, classic films and vintage cars.

For the first time a Winter Deco Weekend VIP Pass will be available with pass holders receiving exclusive tickets to events, VIP entry and "best seats in the house" for purchased ticketed events, specials at the Art Deco Centre and participating venues, and an Art Deco goodie bag.

Festival director Glen Pickering said this year's programme has the right mix of new events with the return of some winter classics.

"Last year the radio play and jazz dinner were huge hits so we've refreshed them and the newbie to look out for is the Bootleggers Ball.

"It's a not too serious night of music and dancing.

"A big band, dance floor and great music – is guaranteed to be great night."

Winter Deco Weekend offers a varied programme of events across three days, with dinners, brunches, heritage talks and plenty of cocktails and bubbles.

This is a chance for locals and visitors to get a more intimate Art Deco experience than the summer Art Deco Festival, Pickering said.

"Winter Deco Weekend offers audiences a chance to enjoy the variety of events offered in summer replacing the hustle and bustle with cosy and sophisticated scenes.

"Get rugged up and have some fun.

"There's a class and style to the winter look which really sets it apart from the summer. It's something quite special."

Visit the Art Deco Trust website for the full programme and more information.

Tickets can be bought from Monday for members and Wednesday for general public at www.artdeconapier.com or from The Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson St, Napier.

The full Winter Deco Weekend programme will also be released on Wednesday.

The first Winter Deco Weekend was held in 2003.

Art Deco Trust is a charitable trust, committed to the preservation and restoration, promotion and celebration of Hawke's Bay's Art Deco Heritage.

It also organises the summer Art Deco Festival which celebrated its 30th anniversary in February drawing 25,000 people from throughout Hawke's Bay and New Zealand as well as several thousand international guests to more than 200 events.