Music backer gains from Mission

BIG GIG: The Mission Concert in Hawke's Bay regularly attracts about 25,000 people a year but organisers couldn't find a headline act for 2015.

A Wairarapa music promotions company is benefiting from the hiatus of one of the country's biggest summer festivals.

The 2015 Mission Concert in Hawke's Bay was canned at the start of November after organisers were unable to find a headline act for the 22-year-old event.

This was welcome news for Masterton-based promoters Up With People, who are organising a gig featuring Pink Floyd tribute band Eclipse in Havelock North on January 31.

In the days after the Mission cancellation, sales for the Eclipse gig jumped by about 30 per cent in a three-day period, said Up With People promoter and manager Mark Rogers.

"They announced the Mission was off on a Wednesday, and by the Friday, there was a huge spike in sales," said Mr Rogers.

"I was amazed.

"We advertised the Eclipse gig on Facebook around the same time, and the sales just went off."

The Mission Concert has been running at the Mission Estate since 1993, attracting crowds of close to 25,000 each year. Previous acts have included Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones and Barry Gibb.

"It's the big event for Hawke's Bay," said Mr Rogers.

"It's a real shame, but people obviously saw our gig as a good alternative. It's a bit of a success story for Wairarapa."

Mr Rogers said the jump in sales also shows music fans are leaning towards smaller, boutique events, as opposed to commercial concerts.

"Generally, there aren't as many queues, food is cheaper and parking is easier.

"It's a more pleasant day out."

Eclipse played for a 3000-strong crowd at Stonehenge Aotearoa in February, which Mr Rogers said attracted positive feedback.

To continue the classic rock tradition, Led Zeppelin tribute act Whole Lotta Lead will play at Stonehenge on Valentine's Day 2015.