No extending Bluff Oyster & Food Festival despite demand

Despite there being more than 1000 people on a waiting list for this weekend's Bluff Oyster & Food Festival, there are no plans to extend the event. Photo / Supplied

Three Airbus A320 charter flights carrying about 500 passengers will arrive in Invercargill on Saturday for the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival.

Last year, Air New Zealand put on one charter flight.

Venture Southland tourism and events manager Warrick Low said if more tickets had been available, the airline could have put on a further six flights.

Festival committee member Kylie Fowler said despite having more than 1000 people on its waiting list, the committee would not consider making the festival a two-day event.

It was run by a volunteer group and many stallholders would probably not be willing to be away from their businesses for a second day.

Insufficient accommodation in Invercargill was also an issue, she said.

The committee had decided to sell only 4500 tickets and there would not be any gate sales this year, following feedback from festival-goers the venue was overcrowded last year.

Festival chairman John Edminstin said reducing the number of tickets sold by 20% would ensure the venue was more comfortable for those attending.

''We would never have a two-day festival. If it's not broken, don't try to fix it.''

The charter flight tour packages include tickets to the oyster festival and another attraction of the traveller's choice - the Invercargill Brewery, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, The Seriously Good Chocolate Company or Transport World.

Tickets for next year's festival will go on sale at 6pm on Saturday after the festival.

Ms Fowler urged Southlanders to buy their tickets early to avoid missing out, as demand for tickets was increasing every year and there were already about 100 people on the waiting list.

- Southland Express