And they're ready: Napier Art Deco Festival kicks off

Art Deco relationship manager Vicky Rope is ready and raring to go for the 2019 Art Deco Festival. Photo / Paul Taylor

Dazzling dresses, feathered headbands, red lipstick, striped shirts and bow ties will be the focus of this year's Art Deco Festival.

The fashion themed fiesta is set down for February 13-17, 2019 and Art Deco Trust relationship manager Vicky Rope says they're "pumped and raring to go".

"It's been pretty chaotic around here and there's been loads of logistics on this side, the weather forecast is looking great, people are starting to roll into town now which is fantastic."

The festival officially opens at 9am this morning with a powhiri at the Soundshell.

From a dainty lunch to a bustling navy band to a spot of plane spotting, Rope says the opening of the festival will not disappoint.

Although most events are already sold out, remaining tickets can be purchased on the day from the Art Deco Trust.

"There's just so many great events to choose from, I'm really looking forward to Fashion on the Foreshore on Saturday night which is our hero fashion event.

"We've got Art Deco old and new inspired pieces that are being showcased on a 15m catwalk off the Soundshell. That will just be a really exciting event for people to bring their families and friends with a picnic rug and a hamper."

Kiwi socialite Erin Simpson and partner Zac Franich will also be lighting up Hawke's Bay's red carpet at the Art Deco Festival.

Although they don't arrive until Friday it will be their first time partaking in the iconic festival.

"She's just really excited to be here, she'll be out and about in all her beautiful outfits so people will get a chance to meet her."

Rope calls the Art Deco Festival a "one in a million" and wasn't surprised when most events sold out fast.

"We've got a really engaged audience and we're really happy with all the ticket sales."

Festival director Glenn Pickering said the final touches were finalised yesterday.

"The weather is looking great for the most part, but we are confident Hawke's Bay will showcase what it does best in the sunshine."

To see the full Art Deco programme visit www.artdeconapier.com and tickets from events can also be purchased from www.iticket.co.nz. Events at the Municipal Theatre and Century Theatre can be purchased through www.ticketek.co.nz.