Crankworx: Big artists sign up to festival

Huge crowds at last year's event. PHOTO/SCOTT ROBARTS

Crankworx won't just be for mountain bikers - two of New Zealand's biggest artists have been signed up for an Eat Streat music festival that will form part of the event.

The festival is being managed by Tak Mutu and Crankworx.

"We've already locked in three artists but we can't announce them until November," Mr Mutu said.

"What I can say is that two of them are two of New Zealand's biggest artists so people will be excited. There will be some local heroes as well."

There are also plans to include some free events in the city, but that will only happen if they can get sponsors on board. Mountain Bike Events, the not-for-profit company running Crankworx Rotorua, is on the hunt for sponsors to be able to enhance the experience for non-competing visitors and locals.

"This is a big financial commitment, we need sponsors if we want to take it to the next level. I've seen what they do in Whistler and I know what local events look like. I worked at the world championships so I've taken what I've seen and I want to make it better."

Mr Mutu said the prizegivings for all Crankworx events would be in the city and there would also be a big video screen set up showing coverage from the tracks.