Deco festival 'most amazing' in world

The huge crowds, estimated around 15,000 for the big car parade on Saturday, set the tone for what was likely to be the biggest Tremains Art Deco Weekend yet.

Visitor Malik Fernando did not realise how much punch the Tremains Art Deco Weekend packed.

"There is so much happening - so many different things going on and everyone is just so happy. How do you do that?" he asked organisers.

Check out the editorial on Art Deco target="_blank">here.

"I have been to many festivals all over the world and I have to say that this is the most amazing one I have ever been to."

Dilmah tea founder Merrill Fernando had been proud to take on the role of international ambassador for the big weekend and his sons were also keen to experience it.

With a smile, Malik Fernando said there had been times when he and his brother, and father, had experienced a form of "sensory overload" as so much was there to be taken in.

"Aircraft were coming over and I was thinking I needed to check to see if this is real ... I just couldn't believe it."

His father said the greatest memory was the people.

"Friendly, welcoming - all smiles," he said, adding that yes, he had been asked to pose for "quite a few pictures during the weekend".

During a five-minute walk through the Gatsby Picnic with his son he was approached nine times.

The family gave it the ultimate accolade by declaring they would be back next year.

"Oh without a doubt," Malik Fernando said. "You can't miss this."

Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson said the crowds had been stunning.

"They have been huge and this is bigger than last year [which drew a record estimated 30,000 people]."

She said fears a few days ago that the weather could pack up yesterday had failed to eventuate which added to what she and events manager Peter Mooney described as an outstanding success for Napier.

"More and more people are putting more and more into it and there has been a very strong international flavour."

Several groups of overseas media had been "blown away" by what they had experienced, she said.

John "Bertie" Cocking, who like Merrill J Fernando was in demand for selfies and shots, said he gauged crowds at the Automobilia Parade and the Costume and Coiffure events to get an idea of how big the event had been.

"The car parade was the biggest I've seen and the Sound Shell, for the bathing belles and costumes, was absolutely packed out - and I haven't seen that before."

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the calibre of the weekend continued to be a credit to the organisers and the city.

"It has been absolutely fantastic - many visitors come back year after year but every year we also get new people turning up and it's just an amazing feeling to be part of this," he said. Peter Mooney, who is now bowing out of his events manager role, said he had enjoyed every last moment of it. "It is special - very, very special. We are a lucky city."

-More on Art Deco, p7-8

-Editorial, p10

-Weekend in pictures p14-17