Downtown carnival hits the right note

Zea Marks has been coming to the Tauranga Jazz Festival for as long as she can remember. Photo/Andrew Warner

Jazzy tunes under a sunny sky was just what Tauranga needed after the terrible weather in the lead up to the long Easter Weekend.

Zea Marks has not missed a Jazz Festival for at least the last 12 years and the forecasted cyclone was not going to get in her way this year.

"I've been coming to the festival as far back as I can remember.

"I would never miss one, it's the highlight of my year," Ms Marks said.

Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times on The Strand between sets, Ms Marks said she came to dance.

"As musicians feel compelled to play, dancers feel compelled to dance, we go hand and foot together."

Ms Marks enjoyed the local bands who got to perform on stage amid the fun and vibrant atmosphere on the streets.

"I love everything, the atmosphere, the music, the line up."

Ms Marks was a standout sight at the festival - attendees could not help but notice her flamboyant, colourful clothing and dreadlocks.

She looked happy and focused at just dancing and enjoying the music - which kept her coming back every year.

"I drive over from my farm in the Waikato over the weekend. I meet so many people here, I can connect with people I don't see at any other time in the year."

Karen Kressin and Joop Swaab ready to get into the swing of things at the Tauranga Jazz Festival Downtown Carnival. Photo/Andrew Warner

The odd sun shower did not damper festival-goers and Karen Kressin said the weather more or less cooperated for the carnival.

"We're lucky the cyclone hit when it did so it didn't affect the festivities too much," she said.

The newly revamped waterfront made the Downtown Carnival all the more enjoyable, she said, and it was packed with families and swimmers having a break from the jammed streets.

"The price is just right for this too - gold coin donation for a full day of music on the waterfront - there's not much else to ask for," Ms Kressin said.

The Downtown Carnival on The Strand in Tauranga will continue tomorrow from 12pm.