Beer fest hits the right notes

Guggemusik perform at the Okere Falls Fest at the weekend. Photo / Stephen Parker

It was a record turnout for Rotorua's popular Okere Falls Beer Fest, with hundreds attending each night to get a taste of the food, culture and entertainment on offer.

The annual festival, held at the Okere Falls Store, came to a close yesterday after a week of performances by local and international artists, traditional Bavarian dress, tasty food and, of course, plenty of beer tasting.

Okere Falls Store owners Andi and Sarah Uhl have been organising the event for several years and said this year's was a knockout.

Mrs Uhl said there were record numbers at this festival, with the 400 tickets for Saturday night selling out.

Most other nights saw at least 300 people attend, she said.

"It's been fantastic, we've had great music and a great crowd. It's been really packed every night," she said.

Mrs Uhl said the music in particular made for a winning festival and she noted the high calibre of the performers.

The music, especially from Swiss band Oompas, or Guggemusik, proved popular as they helped create a Bavarian atmosphere.

Local band Strangely Arousing were also well received by festival-goers.

Other acts included folk duo Aaron and Alice, Kryptonites, Pretty Tricky Pony, Fisher Kings, Nikita Tu-Bryant and Monty Bevins.

The festival even gained national attention when a team from TV3's the Paul Henry Show went along on Friday night, which made it on to the telly. Mrs Uhl said plans were already in the making for next year's festival.