A large crowd gathered at the Band Rotunda today to enjoy the summer sun and tap their feet along to local music.
The annual Music at the Rotunda concert series started today at 1pm and will run every Sunday until March 19.
Acts featured in the concert series include the Bay Of Plenty Blues Club, Rotorua Symphonic Band, Sunrise Rockers, Highland Pipe Band, Evelyn Falconer, The Thermaleles, Simply Random and the Edward Brothers.
It is a free event, now in its 11th year, and is supported by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.
Rob Paterson of The Knackers Yard said today it was the band's first time playing at the rotunda concert series.
Paterson said the band were from Step Ahead Therapy, which through a music course reinstalled confidence for people who had suffered brain injuries and got them back out into the community.
He said what he was enjoying about performing there was the beautiful weather, the wonderful crowd and the general feeling.
"It allows musicians to get up and show their wares and gives people the chance to have a great afternoon."
Rotorua's Robyn Murphy said she had come to a few of the shows last year.
"It's great to come out and support the artists."
She said it was something free to do and she thought it was a great thing to have in the community.
"You get to listen to different artists you might not hear anywhere else."
Locals Ron and Jenny Weaver said they had been attending the Music at the Rotunda concert series ever since it started.
Mrs Weaver said it was an ideal spot which should be used more often.
"It's nice to sit here and enjoy the Sunday afternoon."
She said she thought the locals should support it because it was something free and there were a lot of tourists wandering around the area.
Programme for 2017:
- February 12, Simply Random/Thermaleles
- February 19, Art in the Park www.artsvillage.org.nz
- February 26, Rhinestone Mining Co/Edward Brothers
- March 5, Rotorua Brass Band/Highland Pipe Band
- March 12, Rotorua Symphonic Band/WHHS Jazz Band
- March 19, Off Broadway