Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival a day of family, kai and music

Summer Seafood Festival organiser Larni Hepi says the event has lots of drawcards. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

The annual Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival is returning for its third year and the schedule is packed.

Event organiser Larni Hepi said lots would be happening over the course of the afternoon and encouraged families to attend.

The festival takes place tomorrow at the Village Green.

"It's a great event. It's a celebration of the best seafood that the Bay of Plenty has to offer," Hepi said.

"It's also presented by Te Arawa Fisheries for the people of Te Arawa. It's a community event that celebrated being part of this cool community."

The schedule for the event is due to be released on Friday but there are two stages; a kai stage and the main stage.

The main stage will be headlined by Stan Walker and Herbs while the kai stage will be headlined by chef Robert Oliver.

Hepi said Oliver would be cooking Pacific dishes such as raw fish and the music would be a highlight.

He said while seating was available, people were encouraged to bring low chairs or picnic blankets as well as sunscreen and a hat, but not anything large like a gazebo.

VIP tickets are also available and include access to a VIP lounge and bar, hor d'oeuvres and drinks and a gift pack.

Children under 12 are free with a paying adult but tickets must still be booked. Hepi said that would encourage a family environment.

Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival
When: Saturday 12pm till 6pm
Where: Rotorua Village Green
Tickets: $35 from www.seafoodfest.co.nzor the i-Site by Friday evening or $50 at the gate. Children under 12 free, tickets must be booked.
Entertainment: Stan Walker, Herbs, Halo Band and more.
Cooking displays: Yvonne Lorkin, Brett McGregor, Bertrand Jang and more.