It was fun in the rain for the masses on a sodden second day of the Rhythm and Vines music festival. Plastic ponchos and gumboots were all the fashion.
It was fun in the rain for the masses on a sodden second day of the Rhythm and Vines music festival. Plastic ponchos and gumboots were all the fashion.
Festivalgoers at Rhythm and Vines are upset about a $5 charge for breath testing.
Attendees argue testing should be free to ensure safe driving.
Organisers say the service is offered by a private vendor to promote sensible decisions.
Festivalgoers at Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines have taken umbrage at the price for post-party, pre-driving breath testing.
Comments on the event’s Facebook page reveal some attendees are upset at a private vendor at the venue charging $5 for breath testing.
Some argued they had already shelled out high pricesfor entry tickets and called for free testing so people would drive safely.
The annual multi-day music festival is expected to gather 26,000 this evening to see in the New Year – the biggest Rhythm and Vines attendance since 2012 (28,000).
The award-winning music festival opened up to campers on December 28, with the festival officially kicking off on December 29, through to the first sunrise on January 1.
The first round of acts taking to the stage at Rhythm and Vines this year has been announced.
A message posted by organisers today about leaving the festival has been met with annoyance.
“We don’t like goodbyes, but it is time to start preparing for your departure from Rhythm and Vines,” said the post, published this afternoon.
“Below is a bit of a simplified checklist for things to plan for now so that when you wake in the morning, you start 2025 off on the right foot.”
Included on the checklist was advice about drink-driving.
“For $5, breath testing will be available at the General Store in Grand Central. Be sensible and responsible drivers,” organisers said.
“Be warned that police will be conducting random breath-testing outside of Rhythm and Vines.
“Please make responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel.”
The cost outraged attendees and others.
The camping set-up at New Year's music festival Rhythm and Vines at Waiohika Estate.
“$5 for breath testing?? I would have thought your customers leaving safe would be a priority and breath testing should be absolutely free,” one woman wrote.
“Breath testing should be free,” said another.
The Herald asked organisers about the fee.
“Rhythm and Vines is pleased to be working with BMF HQ to offer this service as part of a range of health and well-being initiatives on offer at the festival,” said a spokesperson.
