Popular Blues Picnic's future uncertain

Peter Archer is a devoted blues fan and for eight years has hosted the annual Marchwood Blues Picnic at his Omokoroa property. Photo / Andrew Warner

It's been an eight-year labour of love for Omokoroa couple Peter Archer and Carol Murphy and, unless they can secure a sponsor, this year's Marchwood Blues Picnic could be the last.

On Saturday the couple hosted their popular annual eight-hour Marchwood Blues Picnic at their Youngston Rd organic farm property, which was attended by 800 people - the ninth such event in eight years.

Mr Archer, a die-hard blues fan and harmonica player for over 35 years, built a permanent stage on his property in 2009. Previously, he used a truck as a stage. The event quickly morphed into a "fabulous day of entertainment".

"It's always been a fabulous event and this year was extra special as we had three-time Grammy Award winner Tony Joe White as our headline act. He's up there, he's like a god," he said.

Louisana-born White, 72, who is a swamp-blues artist, is best known for 1969 hit Polk Salad Annie and Rainy Night in Georgia.

Other acts were Josh Durning, Darren Watson, Black Velvet, Flaming Mudcats and the Peter Archer Blues Band. The night traditionally culminates in an all-star blues jam session.

"Everyone had an absolutely fantastic time, and the mosh pit really went off with people boogieing up a storm," he said.

Mr Archer said about 75 per cent of those who attended were out-of-towners, with devotees coming from as far afield as Queensland, Texas, Timaru, Christchurch and Dunedin.

That included a number of people who chose to pitch their tents and camp overnight.

Mr Archer said the aim was to sell 1000 tickets this year and puts the lower attendance down to Met Service predicting heavy rain all weekend. "We may just break even this year, and hopefully we can secure a sponsor, otherwise it is unlikely we can continue to hold the event next year, which would be very sad," he said.