Families flock to waterfront festival

Rozane Dewild, Mayah Flinn and Paul Dewild with Charlie Woudberg, 3, left, and Hazel Tarawa, 4.

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of the large crowds that descended on The Strand yesterday for the third annual Tauranga Waterfront Festival.

Families once again packed out the waterfront to take in the huge line-up of entertainment - including Judea parents Aaron and Sarah More and their two children Elijah, 5, and 18-month old Ash.

The couple said their older son was particularly enjoying himself, especially the mini-circus in the amusement park area.

Mrs More said the waterfront looked "fabulous" and they were impressed by the number of family-friendly activities.

Elijah screamed out his delight: "I love the circus."

Anit Sharma, 28, from Te Puke said he had recently returned to the district with his wife Archana, and their children Aesha, 3, and 8-year-old Aryan after living in Christchurch for three years.

"I think the waterfront looks awesome and it's a great idea to have these sorts of events because it will encourage a lot more people to come to the waterfront and use it," he said.

The event, planned for Saturday, had to be postponed for a day due to bad weather.

Event manager Penny Mitropoulos said yesterday's rain did not deter people, with about 3500 to 4000 people attending, which was a "great turnout".

Ms Mitropoulos said this year's festival was all about showcasing Tauranga, with a huge array of different artists, and activities on and off the water, including a pole ski display. She said the event had continued to grow year on year with a lot more families and a "lot more kids" and overall everyone had a "really great day".

Entertainment included X-factor contestant Jessie Matthews' band Daughters of Ally, Rhythmic Chicks, Crooners and U4TIA, singer-songwriter Megan Sidwell, and musicians Alice Sea and Aaron Swann.

Tauranga's Urban Dance group also performed and the Kids Market, with more than 20 stalls manned by children, did a great trade.

The day ended with a big bang with a harbour fireworks display.