Napier ready to rock at Sound Shell

Thousands are expected at the Napier Soundshell this afternoon for Napier Rocks. Photo/Supplied

Hawke's Bay residents and tourists are in for a musical treat at Napier's Sound Shell tomorrow (Saturday).

The free Napier Rocks concert was organised by Napier City Council (NCC) and Hawke's Bay Tourism following the cancellation of Neil Diamond's Mission Concert due to be held this afternoon.

Popular New Zealand musician Jason Kerrison will headline the evening with Shane Cortese and the 8-Track Band and the local Mixtape in support.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said he was pleased to be able to put on a free event to provide an enjoyable evening for the large number of people who had non-refundable accommodation bookings and flights for the Mission Concert as well as Hawke's Bay residents.

"It's a great opportunity for people to enjoy the Bay at no cost to them."

When the Mission Concert was cancelled NCC decided it was important to offer entertainment for visitors still travelling to the region.

People had paid hundreds of dollars in flights and accommodation and should still be able to see some great music, he said.

NCC event manager Kevin Murphy said the concert would provide terrific entertainment for tourists as well as locals.

Napier would be very busy this afternoon with the concert, which was expected to draw at least a couple of thousands, as well as a large cruise ship docked at Napier Port, he said.

There will be some traffic management because of this and people will need to be patient.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the concert adds to an already exciting weekend for tourists with Horse of the Year as well as plenty of bars, restaurants, cellar doors and cycle trails for people to experience.

"I'm super excited about Napier Rocks, it will be a great concert."

The event kicks off at 3pm with street performers and food trucks on Marine Parade (which will be closed to traffic for the event).

Concert-goers are then encouraged to grab a spot and set up camp at the Napier Sound Shell for the music which will start at 3.30pm with Mixtape and end with Jason Kerrison and band finishing at 8pm.