Country music artists of all ages from around New Zealand will be attending the festival in Marton. Photo / Bevan Conley
Country music artists of all ages from around New Zealand will be attending the festival in Marton. Photo / Bevan Conley
Country music will soon fill the air as the Marton Country Music Festival returns for its 15th year.
Five hundred-plus camper vans and about 3000 people are expected to descend on the Rangitīkei town for the annual three-day event on January 17-19 at Sir James Wilson Memorial Park.
Convener Johnde Burgh said every year gets bigger and better and organisers expect this year will be the same, with people of all ages coming from around the country.
The music began on Thursday evening with an informal, open mic, walk-up concert to carry out sound checks and make sure everything was running smoothly before the 9.30am start on Friday.
About 500 motorhomes will park up for the music festival at Sir James Wilson Memorial Park. Photo / Bevan Conley
"They came and filled a spot last year and went really well so we decided to have them back as the main act, de Burgh said.
"We usually get a guest artist from overseas but this year decided to keep it all New Zealand artists and we have them coming from all over."
The line-up includes de Burgh, Marian Burns, Reg McTaggart, Kylie Austin, Hired Gunz, Carylann, Ngarangi and Terina Sadlier, Legal Tender, Sharon Miller, Keith Herbert, Jackson Austin, Derek and Lyn Evans, Alan Hessell and Clark Reid.
De Burgh said there will be a gospel hour from 9.30am to 10.30am on Sunday followed by an open mic, walk-up concert until 1pm.
"The thing we look forward to as organisers is people coming along and enjoying themselves, getting together, socialising and having a great weekend of country music."
Along with the performances there will be raffles, merchandise for sale, food stalls, an artist tent and face painting.
Over the three-day event, there will be a number of open mic concerts and the organisers encourage anyone to get up and have a go at singing country music. Photo / Bevan Conley
Entry is $20 on Friday, $30 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday while a weekend pass is $50.
