New Zealand reggae royalty Katchafire will headline a new year concert at the Rotorua Lakefront.
The concert is part of a seven-date tour announced this week by the show's promoter Pato Entertainment, and includes summer hot spots Mount Maunganui, Coroglen and Nelson.
The Rotorua concert on January 3 will also feature The Black Seeds, 1814 and Tomorrow People with locals already getting excited for the gig.
Holly Pugh said Rotorua was often missed out when groups were touring.
"It's nice to see it included in the loop. It was about time a gig like this came to Rotorua."
Laura Holloway said Katchafire's music reached a wide age-range and the event on the Lakefront would appeal to people from their 20s and "oldies like me".
Destination Rotorua chief executive Michelle Templer said it was exciting to see the summer concert added to the year-round lineup which drew people to the city.
Katchafire frontman Logan Bell. Photo / File
This included the Tarawera Ultramarathon, the Lakeside concert and Crankworx.
This will excite locals, bring people from out of town and "add to the vibrancy of the city for international visitors", she said.
"The economic benefits will be felt throughout the community as visitors will spend money on accommodation, hospitality, retail and attractions.
"We are fortunate as a destination to have a wide range of accommodation options and an extensive hospitality offering to support these large events, however, it's always a good idea for anyone planning to travel over the busy New Year period to book accommodation ahead of time," she said.
Area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said Rotorua police would work closely with all agencies and the event management to ensure the community and visitors felt safe.
Reggae band 1814. Photo / File
"Any event involving large gathering, alcohol, opportunities for disorder or crime are prioritised for Rotorua Police, especially around the festive season," he said.
"For those who are planning on going to the concert we'd recommend you plan ahead to stay safe."
Tickets are on sale on Tuesday September 10 at 7pm here.
Tour dates: Thurs Dec 27 - Mount Maunganui - Mount Park - w The Black Seeds, Tomorrow People Sat Dec 28 - Palmerston North - Ballroom (B&M Centre - arena 4) w Blackseeds Sun Dec 29 Nelson - Trafalgar Centre w LAB Mon Dec 30 - Napier - Pettigrew w The Blackseeds, 1814 Thurs Jan 2 - Coroglen - Coroglen Tavern w 1814, Tomorrow People Fri Jan 3 - Rotorua (The Lake Front) w Blackseeds, 1814, Tomorrow People Sat Jan 4 - New Plymouth - Butlers Reef w The Black Seeds
