Party in our backyard

Sport, music, art, wine, beer and food combine in a new event called Backyard Summerfest to be held in Hastings on January 18.

Hawke's Bay's event calendar welcomes a brand new festival, with a uniquely Kiwi twist.

Backyard Summmerfest 2014 features popular headline acts, such as Sola Rosa and General Lee as well as a fresh approach to the concert atmosphere - combining art, backyard sport, New Zealand music, food, beer and wine.

"It's themed on the good old-fashioned backyard summer party," organiser Kevin Murphy said. "Everyone can play a bit of cricket or swingball or relax and enjoy the atmosphere and soak up the sun."

Murphy teamed up with Stortford Lodge Rotary for the January 18 event that will be held in the Waikoko Gardens at Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, replacing Blues, Brews and BBQs.

He was also working alongside Creative Hastings to give young artists a new display space, following on from the success of last summer's Art in the Park.

The line-up includes Sola Rosa, fresh off a plane from Europe, ZM DJ General Lee, local covers band Jharmony, a freshly re-formed Devils Elbow, City Showcase winner Ash Graham and talented diva Jacki Houkamau.

"We secured Sola Rosa early, they have just come back from a big overseas tour and have not played here for quite a while.

"We tried to get a real mix, so there is something for everyone, from people in their 20s right through to their 50s."

Resident ZM DJ General Lee was looking forward to taking the stage at Backyard Summerfest to amp up the crowd for an evening of entertainment.

"This looks to be the best event of its kind Hawke's Bay has ever seen," he said.

Swingball sets will be dotted around the venue while a mini backyard cricket competition will precede the New Zealand versus India match at Napier's McLean Park on January 19.

"We hope that people will come from out of town and make a weekend of it."

Food stalls as well as local wineries and breweries will be set up on site, however punters this year are allowed to bring their own picnic lunch.

A Free wireless internet allows people to access Facebook and Twitter throughout the day, while event App makes it easy to navigate the venue.

An estimated 1500 locals and out-of-towners are expected to attend Backyard Summerfest.