A huge crowd was treated to great New Zealand music at the Village Green for the opening night of the Crankworx Rotorua Bikes and Beats Festival.
Hundreds of families turned out early with picnic blankets yesterday evening to see Kiwi singer-songwriter Jamie McDell on stage.
Hip-hop performer Savage, Auckland funk band Hipstamatics, and The Peacekeepers went on to rock the crowd.
Rotorua girls Payton Day, 9, Saraya Hemana, 9 and Tori Cousins, 7, came to see Jamie McDell.
"We are having a good time, we are so excited to see Jamie play, she is really funky," Tori said.
French tourist Audrey Lentaigne did not know there was a mountain bike festival in Rotorua but was lapping up the entertainment.
"We just heard the music and wandered in. We are enjoying the music."
Ten-year-olds Isabella Park and Jasmine Hagan were both delighting in the sounds.
"We are here to see other bands play but came down to see Jamie. I am a big fan. I have had fun at Crankworx," Isabella said.
Jacman Entertainment site manager and event co-ordinator said the festival was a great way to spend an evening after a day at the mountain bike festival.
"It is a good way to end Crankworx, It's really good, they wanted to showcase New Zealand music."
She said tonight's line-up would be just as impressive, with opportunities to see great bands for no cost.
"The Black Seeds have not played down here for years and have never played a free gig,"
Tonight's event begins at 4pm and finishes at 10pm, at the Village Green. Crowds can look forward to seeing the Black Seeds, P Money, featuring Shapeshifter frontman P Digsss, ManaLion plus local up-and-comers Strangely Arousing and Open Arms.
'We will take the [lessons] from this and fast-track more of the same.'