Mudtopia draws the crowds on day two

Reporter, Rotorua Daily Post·Rotorua Daily Post·

2 Dec, 2017 04:34 AM2 mins to read

Rotorua is buzzing with the festival spirit as Mudtopia day two draws crowds.

At 9am today there were queues at both gates and groups of people making their way down Fenton St towards the Arawa Park racecourse, towels slung over their shoulders. With the sun out and bright blue skies people were ready to get covered in mud.

Inside the sunblock was passed around and the bags were safely stowed away before the first people raced to the mud arena.

Craig Edlin adjust his very muddy hair. Photo/Ben Fraser

Krishneel Prasad and his son Neville, 2, were covered head to toe in mud after a spot of mud wrestling.

"It's amazing," Prasad said.

"He is very excited."

Image 1 of 23: Mudtopia Festival. Craig Edlin. Photo/Ben Fraser

While some ran between the activities others found a spot of shade by the main stage to enjoy the live music.

Debbie Lansbury and her daughter Regan King travelled from Whakatane to enjoy the festival.

"We got a weekend pass, so we came down today and we will come back tomorrow and go at it all again," Lansbury said.

They said the weekend had been pretty good.

Hanxi Zhao, (left), and Namratta Mistry get covered in muddy. Photo/Ben Fraser

Lansbury enjoyed the jousting while King thought maybe the slide was her favourite part.

"We are looking forward to coming back for the concert," Lansbury said.

They were enjoying the sunshine in the mud bar before going back to shower off before the concert.

Franzi Untraut, (left), Lisa Spindler, Thea Karlsem, Lea Borgheynk, Judith Friess, Emma Hansen in the mud arena. Photo/Ben Fraser

Both of their legs were coated and they pointed out that their ears were going to be difficult to get clean.

Josh Robins and his family were lucky enough to get free tickets from friends who weren't able to go anymore.

"We are loving it," he said.

He said his favourite part was getting super muddy in the caterpillar pools.

"Now we are going to grab a drink, sit in the sun and watch the musical performance."

The festival features live music across three days from Kiwi artists Anika Moa, Jason Kerrison, Jupiter Project, Aroha, Melodownz, Rotorua's own Shaquille Graham and more.

Tonight's R18 concert will feature Shapeshifter, Peking Duk and Chores.

What: Rotorua Mudtopia Festival
Where: Arawa Park Racecourse
When: Today until Sunday
Cost: R18 concert ticket and Mudpass $69, Mudpass adult $53 under 18 $35.50, family Mudpass $143 for 2x adults and 2x children