Sun turns on mighty thirst

Miles Ostick of Milford in Auckland enjoys a Blue Goose brewed by Cock and Bull group, one of the 80 beers available at the 10th annual Brightstone Blues, Brews and BBQs festival. Picture / Greg Bowker

The sun turned on the heat at Mt Maunganui yesterday as thousands of people gathered for an eight-hour celebration of fine ales.

The 10th annual Brightstone Blues, Brews and BBQs event - New Zealand's largest beer festival - at Blake Park was far from simply song, supping and sizzled sausages.

Some of the country's top blues entertainers upped the tempo as an estimated 14,000 people enjoyed the vibe, lolled on the grass, wandered round the stalls and sampled the delights on offer. The aim was to eat, drink and be merry.

More than 80 beers, wines and ciders were available, and about 115,000 handles of alcohol were expected to be sold by 10pm closing.

Along with barbecue favourites, the food provided by some of the region's favourite caterers, restaurants and cafes included West Coast whitebait, Middle Eastern and Indian fare, and seafood.

"This is one of the Western Bay of Plenty's best-kept secrets," said festival co-ordinator David Mustard.

The event, run by the Round Table service club, had never been widely advertised because tickets had always sold out quickly, he said.

When the 10th anniversary quota of 11,500 went on sale on December 6, fans queued to snap them up in a little over an hour. Sponsors also had tickets allocated and under 18-year-olds attend free.

About 1000 people worked in the stalls.

Ticket-holders received a souvenir handle (beer mug) and cash was exchanged for the currency of the day, "BBQ bucks".

Festival proceeds will go to local charities and community organisations.

Mr Mustard said "the blues" was a big attraction for all age groups. This year's featured bands included Darren Watson, the Winch Brothers, Darcy Perry and Kokomo.

"It is like a wine and food festival with the focus on ales," he said.

"It is a great opportunity for independent brewers to get their product out there. New Zealand makes some very nice beers."

Other festivals will be held in Napier on January 22 and Blenheim on February 5.