In the past I've expressed disappointment at the lack of support for quality events in Tauranga, but when it comes to the arts festival this city more than holds its own.
Every two years organisers bring an impressive array of local and international talent to the city, for days of
professionally polished performances.
During this year's festival, and the previous two, I've been to shows at the Crystal Palace and wished the venue, with its cosy booth seats, wooden floors and stained glass windows, could become a permanent fixture on The Strand.
This week I attended a sell-out show in the palace, offering a blend of comedy and music, a good laugh, great food and good service. Even the Australian performers commented that not every "town" was lucky enough to have a festival of this quality - and they're right.
What struck me about the crowd though was that most of them were 40-plus. There is no doubt that a younger crowd would have really also enjoyed and connected with the performance but maybe they haven't taken the time to find out what the arts festival is all about.
