Jam-packed show for carnivalgoers

Temperatures may still be autumnal but Ohakune's biggest street party will mark the start of winter on Saturday.

The annual Ohakune Mardi Gras turns 21 this year and is celebrating that milestone with its biggest line-up, including the Prime Minister's son, Max Key.

A street party of music, dance and costumes, this year's event, OMG2016, also features music acts Lij, MayaVanya, Jupiter Project, Weird Together, Dane Rumble and Hands Off.

Organiser David Williams said the line-up was a mix of emerging and established talent and preparations for Ohakune's biggest night were going well.

"We're not sold out so there's still more tickets for people to jump on," he said.

"We've got more artists than we've had before. It's all a bit jam-packed.

"There's definitely value for people wanting to go."

Online ticket sales reveal people have booked from around the world, including six from Britain.

Mr Williams said the annual Mardi Gras had huge spin-offs for the town.

"The snow's come a bit later this year but it still marks the beginning of winter and we try to do it with as much fun as possible - it's great.

"A lot of the businesses that don't open over summer, their opening night is Friday. The whole town is buzzing."

-Doors open at 7pm on Saturday, with the party going through to 1am. Tickets are available from iticket.co.nz.