Get ready for the CHB Lamb Festival!

To be released Immediately 3 December 2010

The Central Hawke's Bay community and local businesses are saying "Get ready for a CHB Lamb Festival!" during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council has been awarded $92,000 (inc GST) from Lotteries Funding to hold a spectacular festival of events that will showcase our people, our unique tourist offerings - all packaged around celebrating the iconic animal that helps sustain Central Hawke's Bay - the lamb.

Mayor Peter Butler said, "We're grateful to Lotteries for recognising that Central Hawke's Bay will put on a fantastic event. CHB is inviting tourists, rugby fans, and locals to come and see why Central Hawke's Bay is a must-visit destination. We'll be hosting a Lamb Festival during the Rugby World Cup like none ever seen before."

Central Hawke's Bay District Council's district promotions group - CHB Promotions - will be leading the Lamb Festival project and also marketing the Central Hawke's Bay Lamb Country brand. Promotions President, Jennifer Hancock, is thrilled that CHB can play its part in the Rugby World Cup celebrations. She said, "It's an amazing feeling to receive this grant which will help us achieve so much for CHB. Get ready for a baaaaarilliant time!"

The "Central Hawke's Bay Lamb Festival" will include FIVE signature events run during September 2011. It will offer locals and visitors entertainment that is pure Kiwi and Uniquely Central Hawke's Bay.

1. Experience the 'Running with the Lambs' with lambs dressed in your team's favourite colours. Waipukurau's main street will be transformed into 'Lamb Central' where you can indulge in gourmet lamb delicacies and fun family entertainment.

2. Immerse yourself in our local culture through 'Tamatea - Rugby, Haka and Hangi'. Join us at historic Te Aute College and Pukehou Marae for Fan games and culture.

3. Take a journey from 'The Paddock to the Plate'. We are bringing country to town under one roof. Have a go at docking, shearing and wool spinning throughout the day, culminating in the evening 'Paddock to the Plate' dining experience.

4. The Annual 'CHB Lamb Festival' art extravaganza. This four day event showcases our world class local artists. A celebrity chef will create a new signature dish with local award winning lamb, while you enjoy art, music, food, wine and the sizzling atmosphere.

5. Central Hawke's Bay lamb country is going glam. Dance the night away at the 'Mutton Dressed as Lamb Ball'. It's about glitz, glamour, romance and exquisite local food and wine.

The original concept was presented to Council by Adam Taylor who grew up in Onga Onga and is now the Tourism Manager for the Auckland Museum. "I come home every Christmas and I wanted to help showcase Central Hawke's Bay to the world. And what better way than to highlight what comes naturally to this district? Growing and producing Lambs."

Council has been exploring the idea of helping to enhance the already existing CHB Festival and creating a "Lamb Festival" to entice rugby visitors and help support the local community. The feedback from a wide ranging audience has been incredible.

Other amazing Central Hawke's Bay tourism drawcards are our nine local Tamatea marae, CHB Settlers Museum, the longest placename at Porangahau, the Ruahine Ranges, trout fishing, golf-courses, beaches and sea fishing, heritage buildings, gardens, apple-orchards, award-winning wine, beef and venison plus much much more.

Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Hawkes-Bay-Lamb-Festival/153308721 359812?ref=ts

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