Stage set for La De Da Festival

With the countdown on to Martinborough's La De Da New Year's Festival, the crew have been hard at work to make sure everything is ready.

About 7000 people are expected to flock to Daisybank Farm from today for the festival which starts tomorrow night and includes headliners Shapeshifter, De La Soul, Andy C and Masterton's own K.One.

"It's great that one of the most legendary acts in hip-hop is landing in the Wairarapa on New Year's Eve," said festival co-promoter Mark Kneebone. "It's a pretty special thing."

Some of the crew members have been on site since December 14, although planning the festival takes most of the year. Of the some 7000 tickets sold, Mr Kneebone said about half of those people were expected to camp at the farm.

"It's actually a few more than we expected to sell. We're happy kids," he said.

About 70 per cent of ticket-holders come from the Wellington region, and the rest are from the rest of the North Island.

This is the third time the festival has been held, and there have been a few changes with the site layout and facilities.

More healthy and vegetarian food options have been included on the menu and about 15,000 meals are expected to be sold.

"[Campers] spend two days here, so they really wanted more than hot dogs and chips," Mr Kneebone said.

He said the strict conditions on selling alcohol would continue, such as limiting the amount a person can buy at a time, and an earlier closing time for the bar.

He was unsure how much was expected to sell.

"We work really closely with the [South Wairarapa] District Council and police so make sure it's a really safe environment," Mr Kneebone said.

Other new features this year include a skate ramp, an indoor electronic stage and La De Vino, which will offer local wines.

"We really consider ourselves a boutique festival so our offerings have to reflect that," said Mr Kneebone.

He was "very confident" the weather would hold out, although there would be shelter if it didn't.

The festival had a great relationship with local businesses who supported the event.

"I think it's really positive for the region because not only do we spend a lot of money, but those 7000 people stop at a cafe or at a pub," he said. "Overall, the locals are really happy because it projects a good amount of money into the local economy."

At least two dozen locals had been hired to help set up the event.

Mr Kneebone said he was excited for the festival to start, and expected people to start arriving this morning.

His advice to festival-goers?

"Bring a hat and sunscreen and a good attitude and everything else is pretty much here. As cheesy as it sounds, it's true."

La De Da by the numbers

• 
  7000 people expected to attend
• 
  70 per cent from the Wellington region
• 
  15,000 meals to be sold
• 
  At least 24 local workers to help set up