Pipi Pickers are guest artists at the Aongatete Music Festival. Photo/supplied
Pipi Pickers are guest artists at the Aongatete Music Festival. Photo/supplied
A housewarming party celebrating the purchase of Paul Hoggard and Penny Rowsell-Hoggard's south Katikati property marked the beginning of the Aongatete Music Festival nearly a decade ago.
Music is a hobby and passion for Paul and Penny who had invited musician friends to celebrate their new property.
Eight years later,the couple is still opening their property to fellow musicians and music lovers who come to relax, eat, listen and perform under the shade of their fig orchard.
Despite the months of work organising the festival, the pleasure of seeing people enjoying themselves and catching up with fellow musicians is worth all the effort, says Penny.
The informal vibe mainly attracts the "over-40" crowd, a few young families, and more recently, motorhome owners.
This year over 50 motorhomes are booked in for the festival that in the past has showcased bluegrass, folk, country, blues, celtic, middle eastern and African music.
This year's performers include bluegrass band, Pipi Pickers; contemporary folk singer, Kirsty Bromley from Sheffield; Penni Feather; Duke of Uke, and virtuoso bouzouki player, John Sanders.
The Aongatete Music Festival opens Friday 24 February with an evening blackboard concert from 6pm. Saturday features music from 10am-10pm with a blackboard concert, invitation concert and guest artists. Full weekend admission $30, camping $5 each per night.
