Live music fans unite at Rhythm Rotorua

Rotorua couple Stuart and Nancy Collins look set to become regulars at Rhythm Rotorua - an event showcasing live bands for music lovers.

For Mr and Mrs Collins, chilling out at Rhythm Rotorua was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

As part of the event, live bands performed at the Rotorua Arts Village for eight hours yesterday, as music lovers gathered under the shade and enjoyed a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Among them were Mr and Mrs Collins, who were attending the event for the second year.

Mrs Collins said they really enjoyed the event. "We came last year and really enjoyed it, so we thought we'd come back again this year.

"It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and it's not too expensive. We would like to come again next year."

Organised by BluesFeast Trust, Rhythm Rotorua caters to blues fans, although it also featured a variety of other genres.

Mrs Collins said they weren't particularly blues fans, they just enjoyed music in general.

"We come for the whole package, it's all about having fun. We did get dancing last year, but it is nice to just chill out."

BluesFeast Trust secretary Anita Loderus said the day had gone really well. "People were just streaming in, they were really enjoying it. It was a beautiful day, we had a lot of regulars returning and the atmosphere was just great."

Ms Loderus estimated the crowd had been made up of 60 per cent regulars and 40 per cent of first timers, with 600 or more people in total on site throughout the day.

"We've got out of towners - Rotorua people have spread the word to say come down for the weekend."

She said this year's event had attracted a lot of great sponsors, including New Zealand Credit Union, who had a team of volunteers donating their time to help.