Crowds enjoy Art Deco Parade

Crowds enjoy the Tremains Art Deco Parade through the streets of Napier today. Photo/Duncan Brown.

Thousands of people descended on Napier CBD today for the annual Art Deco parade.

In thirty degree plus heat, the crowds were not disappointed as the parade made its way through the inner city streets. The parade, led by Napier Mayor Bill Dalton and other dignitaries, included soldiers, police officers, bands and many vintage cars, some carrying the slogan "I survived the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake".

Image 1 of 8: HBT141002-01.JPG Ben Smith and Gemma Grove from Birmingham England. Art Deco weekend opening night in Napier. Photographer: Paul Taylor NEWS

Shops, restaurants and cafes did a thriving trade as throngs of people lingered in the CBD enjoying the warm sun and pleasant atmosphere.

The successful parade followed the equally successful opening night of Tremains Art Deco Weekend. An Opening Soiree was held in the MTG Hawke's Bay foyer and the event's official ambassador singer/ actor/dancer, Shane Cortese arrived in a vintage car.

He joined local council and business leaders, the main sponsors, all branches of the military service and visiting representatives of the British, American, Canadian and Australian consulates and embassies.

There is a full programme of events this weekend, including the Gatsby Picnic lunch tomorrow.