Reggae fans offered Rotorua package deals

PACKAGE deals are being offered to attract out of town reggae fans to next year's Raggamuffin festival in Rotorua.

The deals, which include tickets to the concert, two nights' accommodation and entry to Rotorua tourist attraction Paradise Valley Wildlife Park, cater for those wanting anything from a budget holiday to a luxury stay in the city.

The Raggamuffin festival will see international superstars including UB40, The Wailers, Maxi Priest and Arrested Development, perform at the Rotorua International Stadium on February 2.

New Zealand artists like Katchafire, House of Shem, The Black Seeds and The Midnights will also be part of the line-up.

As part of marketing the festival as a family event and Rotorua as a venue for weekend getaways, organisers have come up with "Raggamuffin packages", which include accommodation, tickets and a voucher for entry to Paradise Valley Wildlife Park.

Camilla Andersen, general manager for Raggamuffin promoters Andrew McManus Presents, said one of the reasons for selecting Rotorua as the venue for the one-off New Zealand festival was the city's capacity to accommodate large numbers of people.

"People want to come and have a good time. They shouldn't be expected to drive home afterwards."




Tickets go on sale on Monday.

* For bookings and further information ring (07) 343 1740.

* See Monday's Daily Post for an interview with Katchafire.