Rhythm and Vines prepares for climax

The Rhythm and Vines organisers' goal for the future is to introduce new and innovative ideas to keep punters coming back to Gisborne.

Mexicans, Egyptians, Jesus and a whole troop of bananas attended the Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne last night as festival-goers got into the spirit of the annual dress-up party.

The third and last night of the festival sees in the new year tonight with Kiwi brother and sister duo Broods on the main stage and British band Bastille performing the midnight countdown set.

Held in the Vines Village terraces, the Mexican theme was loosely followed as people got creative in an effort to win a ticket to next year's festival.

Musical acts for the night included Australian crooner Chet Faker.

"He was a class act, even better that I could have imagined," said 19-year-old Jamie Andrews from Auckland.

Chet Faker was followed by P-Money and PNC on the Jagermeister stage before R&V favourites Chase and Status returned to the main stage after playing in 2012.

Rhythm Group sales director Torben Landl said the acts were well received.

"Chase and Status were awesome, and Ta-Ku were really good as well."

Rhythm and Vines co-founder Hamish Pinkham is pleased with how this year is going.

The organisers' goal for the future is to keep the festival sustainable, and introduce new and innovative ideas to keep punters coming back to Gisborne, he says.

Emergency services were likewise pleased with how the event went.

Police communications manager Kris McGehan said there had been no significant incidents at the festival.

"Our staff are still seeing high levels of intoxication at the campgrounds but at R&V it's a different story. We remain very pleased with how it's going out there," she said.

Police hope tonight will be problem-free throughout the city, not just at R&V.

St John territory manager Shane Clapperton said his staff had another busy 24 hours across the district.

"It has almost all involved minor issues though.

"We wish everyone a Happy New Year, a good time tonight and hope they don't have to spend any time in our care," he said. "But if they do, we will be there to look after them."

Mr Landl expects huge numbers at the festival tonight as people flock to Gisborne to welcome in the new year with the best weather in the North Island.

A fireworks display is in store to bring the new year in with a bang.

"It should be pretty amazing," said production manager Alan Green.