International acts in talks for 30,000 strong show at showgrounds in Hastings

Six60 lead singer Matiu Walters ignites the crowd at the showgrounds in Hastings. Photo / Ian Cooper

The organisers that brought Six60 to Hastings have confirmed they're in talks with international acts, and say they can host 10,000 extra people at the same site.

On Saturday night Showgrounds Hawke's Bay Tomoana played host to some 20,000 people at the Six60 concert - the biggest concert in the world on January 23, 2021.

Black Barn event manager Francis de Jager said the venue could host up to 30,000 at the venue's next event.

"We are in talks with New Zealand and international acts at the moment that we hope will secure the future of the Tomoana Showgrounds as a first class outdoor venue for large concerts for 10,000-30,000 people."

About 20,000 people packed into the Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings on Saturday night for Six60, with event organisers saying more is yet to come. Photo / Ian Cooper

"[This would] further cement Hawke's Bay as a concert destination."

He said the for the first large concert in Hastings, it was a very successful event.

"The Tomoana Showgrounds is a fantastic venue with space to create a well laid out event space.

"Many people arrived in buses and cars but it was brilliant to see the more than 12,000 people of Hastings walking in from surrounding areas."

The huge crowds and number of people travelling in from around the country, showed that Hawke's Bay was fast becoming as well as a wine destination, one known for its events, he said.

"Between Black Barn Amphitheatre and The Showgrounds we strive to provide the best experience possible for concert-goers."

"With over 20 years of events experience we know what is required for these large events and plan accordingly."

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was excited to see what was next in store for the showgrounds and the district. Photo / File

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was a stunning weekend and amazing to see so many people in the district at a variety of events, including the Bridge Pa Wine Festival and the Potts Classic Track and Field event at Mitre 10 Park.

"We loved having Six60 in Hastings, not just for the enjoyment of the thousands of Hawke's Bay people who got to experience an internationally recognised band in their own city, but also for the thousands of visitors it brought to our region.

"We have heard from many of our hospitality, accommodation, retail businesses and tourism operators such as Splash Planet and everyone had a boomer of a weekend."

She said the showgrounds was an amazing venue and, despite a number of arrests for fighting, she had received lots of positive feedback.

"As with any event of this size and scale, there are usually a few people that misbehave, but for the majority of concert goers it was a fantastic night.

"We work closely with the promoters and police in the lead up to the event to ensure people can safely enjoy the concert, and if there are learnings from the event itself we will ensure they are implemented for any future concerts."

She was excited that they had already started planning for the next concert.