Top bands playing at Vintage Festival

Thousands are again expected at Vintage Weekend events this month. Photo / Stuart Munro

Preparations are almost complete for Vintage Weekend, less than two weeks away.

Marketing co-ordinator Sally Jane Smith said sales for ticketed events had been going well but urged Whanganui people to get out and enjoy the free events on offer as well. The three-day Anniversary Weekend festival begins on January 23.

"Everything's going really well. It's at that stage where we're kind of ready. We just want to get cracking now."

The Rivercity Caboodle will be held on the Saturday from 12pm and features musical acts Superhero Second Line, The Dancing and Drinking Society and Balkanistas.

"I'm not sure Whanganui realise how lucky they are. The bands are well regarded in New Zealand," Ms Smith said. The Classic Car Cluster would be another popular event, Ms Smith said. "It is quite amazing watching them all go past."

Open air markets on Victoria Ave and a flea market at the War Memorial Centre will run alongside the usual river market.

The bands will be back on Sunday for a day of music and food and vintage-themed activities at the Riverside Festival outside the i-SITE.

For the first time, all Vintage Weekend events have wet weather venues, so nothing will be cancelled.

"The sales are going well. There are still tickets left, though. It's a fun weekend for everyone, that's the feedback I got last year," Ms Smith said.

Also new this year is the Moonlight Movie Night with Grease being screened at Cooks Gardens on New Zealand's biggest outdoor screen.

The Sunday night event includes prizes for best dressed, American diner food and drinks, and live rock 'n' roll. Ten per cent of last year's Vintage Weekend attendees were from outside Whanganui and that number is expected to increase with Taranaki, Hawke's Bay and Wellington residents making the trip.

"It's great to see lots of people from everywhere."