Rockers Midnight Youth led festivities at Rhythm & Vines. Photo / Heather Stewart/Rhythm & Vines
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More than 18,000 revellers flocked to Gisborne this week intent on seeing in the new year at the city's annual Rhythm and Vines concert.
The three-day festival, now in its seventh year, has left police happy with the behaviour of festival goers, even if St John staff had some concerns
about the number of intoxicated women seeking treatment in the detox tent.
Despite the huge gathering, and the equally large amount of alcohol consumption, just five people were arrested during the concert, and all of those on New Year's Eve.
Crowds began arriving at the Waiohika Estate, north of Gisborne, from Tuesday afternoon, with one of the festival's headline acts, Moby, wowing the crowds that night.
Party goers had four stages to chose from over the three days.
Each stage had its own natural ampitheatre and lighting that changed for each act.
Two larger than life skeletons on stilts delighted the crowds walking around the Estate.
People of all ages - some of them in costume - rocked around the festival.
A waterslide that cost $5 to ride - or free if you slid down naked - entertained groups for hours despite the muddy water at the bottom.
Those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere could watch the action on the hillside back from the stage featuring dozens of hammocks.
The main stage area provided an awesome atmosphere which really got going on night two when Empire of the Sun came on.
Their show, complete with dancing girls and light displays, drew huge a huge reaction from the crowd.
They were followed by 2 Many DJs where retro-mixed house music set against a backdrop of flashing images drew even more from the crowd who came down to the dancing area, many emerging form the shelter of marquees as scattered rain and cold wind cooled the air.
The heavy bass stopped thumping five minutes before midnight for the countdown to New Year's Eve which was followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Next was another outstanding set by dance act Krafty Kuts.
Groups of friends, 11,000 of them camping, began departing Gisborne yesterday - many of them will have stories that will live on well into 2010 as they share experiences of the memorable festival.
