'Melting hot' at Parachute Music Festival

A festivalgoer tries to cool down with some water melon at the Christian music event. Picture / Parachute Music

An estimated 20,000 people were at the Parachute Music Festival in "melting hot" weather at Hamilton's Mystery Creek today.

Organisers were touring the venue on bikes spraying festivalgoers with cool water.

However, nothing more serious than sunburn had been reported to medical teams, a spokeswoman told nzherald.co.nz.

More than 100 local and international acts were lined up for the Christian festival, which is on throughout the weekend.

The festival spokeswoman said: "This year some would say there are not as many big international acts, it is more of a New Zealand line-up. But we have been out talking to people and most of the punters seem to be loving it."

As well as the music at the event, Australasia's only female motocross rider, 21-year-old Mary Perkins was due to demonstrate her talents today.

The Maxim Institute was to host a "Great Debate" on Aids, Poverty, and what can be done to help.