Hawke's Bay has plenty of activities and events for people of all ages to enjoy. We list 7 of the best on offer this weekend.
(1) The White Guitar - Harcourts Hawkes Bay Arts Festival
Following standing ovations and sell-out seasons in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, comes The White Guitar. Renowned hip-hop artist Scribe features with his father John and brother Matthias in this stunning new play being staged at the Napier Municipal Theatre tonight. It is the true story of their family, the Luafutus. A grandmother's dream of a better life in New Zealand collides with the reality of hardship and loss - a man's journey from boyhood innocence into the heart of darkness - through violence, drug addiction, prison and gangs - to the possibility of hope, healing and redemption.
With the intensity of a live gig, music pumps through the story's veins - from the first songs of a grandmother as she sings along with her white guitar to the power of rock 'n' roll, the beats of hip-hop and church hymns. Napier Municipal Theatre tonight 8pm to 9.30pm. R13, adult: $45, concession $39
(2) Leisure Marching North Island Display Day
Hosted by Taradale Super Grans today's event at the Pettigrew Green Arena will see 52 marching teams from all over the North Island putting on fine displays of enthusiastic marching. Each group will give a five-minute display. All 52 will take part in an opening march-past at 8.30am. Everyone welcome to head along and enjoy. Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale, today from 8.30am. All ages and free admission.
(3) The Original Gypsy Fair
The Original Gypsy Fair folk are staging their third fair for the 2016-17 season and the first in Hawke's Bay this weekend, and as they have done for more than 25 years it will be at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows. It is a little earlier that usual but one thing that hasn't changed is the promise of two days of fun and entertainment. As in the past there will be an interesting range of hand crafted products sold exclusively at the Original Gypsy Fair, many of which are made before your very eyes. At Anderson Park, Napier, today and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. All ages and free admission.
(4) Vicissitudes - Harcourts Hawkes Bay Arts Festival
Jazz and classical music come together at Iona College tonight with two of Australasia's best-loved trios in this special mash-up of superlative talent, featuring Mike Nock's work Vicissitudes. A musical celebration of the worlds of jazz and classical music, Vicissitudes reflects on our shared ability to overcome dire circumstances. Vicissitudes premiered to sold-out audiences at the Christchurch Arts Festival in 2013 and has since been a favourite festival highlight in Nelson, Wanaka, and most recently, the Darwin Festival in Australia where the trios managed to rendezvous long enough in to record the work.An eclectic programme by six extraordinarily talented musicians that will bring down the house with its skilful subtlety. At Iona College, Havelock North, tonight from 7.30pm to 9.45pm. All Ages, adult $45, concession $39.