Napier’s Iconic Tremains Art Deco Festival Hits a High Note

29 September 2017

Napier’s Iconic Tremains Art Deco Festival Hits a High Note Celebrating 30 years

Visitors to next years Tremains Art Deco Festival will be treated to a sensory extravaganza over five days in celebration of the iconic event's 30th anniversary. The Tremains Art Deco Festival’s extensive program of over 250 events was released today by the organisers, the Art Deco Trust, coinciding with tickets going on sale for the event which runs from 14-18th February 2018.

Music will play a big part in the 30th Tremains Art Deco Festival. Top Kiwi artists including Moses MacKay, of Solo Mio fame, and world renowned musician Nathan Haines will be among a number of performers who will provide more than 200 hours of music showcasing the 1920’s and 30’s era across the event.

The Tremains Art Deco Festival will once again feature New Zealand's largest vintage car parade. There will be over 300 vehicles in the procession, a number of which are being shipped across from the US and Australia. Taking to the air will be a range of vintage planes from the era, while back on the ground there will be flapper dancers, vintage bikes, steam engines and a street fair.

Art Deco Trust Festival Director, Glen Pickering; “It’s incredible the Festival is celebrating 30 years but what’s even more remarkable is that it keeps developing, finding new ways to celebrate our unique heritage and make our story relevant. With so much inspiration from the 1920's and 30's era, we've chosen music to be a focus for the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“Music wise we’ve got everything, from big name stars right through to local youth talent.

We've managed to attract some great Kiwi headline acts with the likes of Moses and Nathan, and we're in discussions with more musicians and will make further announcements later this year. We’ve also secured entertainers from all over the world and some amazing performances specially created for Festival audiences,” said Mr Pickering.

Art Deco Trust GM Shane Gorst explained; “It’s a great achievement to have a festival celebrating its 30th anniversary. At its heart, the Festival is a celebration of the community's spirit and resilience. We're not only commentating the 1931 community's resolve following the devastating earthquake, but we're celebrating today's community, who we are and what makes us special. Without our community's support and participation, the Festival wouldn't have lasted 30 years.

“In 1987 when the Art Deco festival was first launched, there were seven events with 14 vintage cars in a parade and the Gatsby Picnic had 30 people attend. Now, 30 years on, we will have 300 vintage cars in the parade, over 250 events and the Gatsby Picnic attracts over 5000 people,” said Mr. Gorst.

To celebrate the 30-year milestone, the Festival organisers are putting on a number of 30th birthday events including:

• The main birthday celebration will be at the Gatsby Picnic on Sunday 18 Feb. There will be a big birthday cake and celebrations.

• The Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club have put together the 30 best vehicles for the Vintage Car Parade.

One new event for the 2018 Festival which is sure to sell out quickly is the GREAT GATSBY PARTY, which has been sponsored by HB Technology. The event is based on a mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who was renowned for throwing extravagant parties. The organisers are taking over the whole Mission Estate and transporting guests directly into this decadent world. From showgirls, champagne, a three-course dinner and entertainment by Peter Urlich with his full band as well as a big band.

"Think 1920's opulence, sophistication and a whole lot of fun – guests are in for an evening like no other!" said Mr. Pickering.

This year, Art Deco Trust has partnered with Napier i-SITE to manage the accommodation enquires. Napier i–SITE is in regular contact with the majority of accommodation providers, Hotels, Motels, B & B's and Holiday Houses in the Hawke's Bay and surrounding areas. They will also monitor cancellations and offer to visitors who have contacted them.

Mr. Gorst explained; “As the largest event in Hawke’s Bay, accommodation is limited and does get booked up early. We do urge people to book as soon as they can and to not forget alternative accommodation options including Air BnB and the Motor Home campsite north of the pump track on Marine Parade.”

The Art Deco Festival will run from 14th - 18th February 2018. To see the full program of events visit www.artdeconapier.com

Tickets can be purchased at iticket.co.nz or from the Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson St, Napier.

Events at the Napier Municipal Theatre and Century Theatre can be purchased through ticketek.co.nz

-ends-

© Scoop Media