Eric Clapton for 2007 Mission Estate Concert

News release: 1.30pm, 19 June 2006

Eric Clapton to Perform at 2007 Mission Estate Winery Concert

Mission Estate Winery's iconic concert has attracted a legend for 2007.

Eric Clapton will be the headline performer at the 27 January 2007 Mission Estate Winery Concert. It will be the only concert that Clapton performs in New Zealand on his 2006/07 World Tour.

Peter Holley, CEO of Mission Estate Winery says he's delighted that Eric Clapton has agreed to come to New Zealand

"The Mission Estate Winery Concert is an unique event, not only for New Zealand but internationally.

"There is always a wonderful atmosphere and a real sense of excitement and celebration in the air, with people attending year after year. Many of these people have a great sense of pride in this regional event. Held in the picturesque Mission Estate grounds, in a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it's a very special experience," says Peter.

James Erskine, Managing Director of SEL and Mission Estate Winery concert partner says it is a credit to the now internationally recognised Mission Estate Winery Concert to have attracted Grammy Award winning British guitarist, singer and composer, Eric Clapton.

Eric Clapton is widely recognised as one of the world's most respected and influential musicians and has an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is currently on a break from his 2006/07 world tour which will re-commence in Italy in July.

Since the inaugural concert in 1993, the Mission Estate Winery Concert has become a landmark occasion on the New Zealand calendar and has hosted renowned international acts such as Rod Stewart, the Beach Boys, Shirley Bassey and Ray Charles.

"Attendees can bring along their picnics and enjoy memorable entertainment in a beautiful location. Mission Estate's philosophy is cornered on creating extraordinary experiences noted for their quality – a philosophy which is carried through our wine, our restaurant and, of course, our concert," says Peter Holley.

Tickets will go on sale exclusively to Concert Club members on Tuesday 20 June for a period of 10 days or until sold out. Tickets will be available for purchase through the Mission Estate Winery Concert website www.missionconcert.co.nz . Concert tickets will also be available for purchase through Ticketmaster outlets or by telephoning 0800 111 999. Purchasers must quote their Mission Estate Concert Club membership number in order to purchase tickets.

Peter Holley says Mission Estate has a commitment to its loyal concert-goers, many who come to Hawke's Bay for the event year after year. However people who are not members of the Concert Club will not necessarily miss out.

"There is an open door policy for the Concert Club. It costs nothing to join and people can become an instant member at any time. We felt that it was best to have the one main channel for purchasing tickets and it was natural that this would be via the Club"

Membership registration can be found on the Mission Estate Winery Concert Website, www.missionconcert.co.nz

Established in 1851, Mission Estate is New Zealand's oldest winemaker. Housed in an elegantly restored historic seminary building with sweeping views of Napier, Mission Estate offers visitors a year round complete wine experience.

ENDS

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