Spike in sales as festival gets closer

Tourism Hawke's Bay General Manager Annie Dundas says some events have opened up ticket sales because they sold out. Photo / File

The race is on to snap up tickets to the hottest events at this year's Summer F.A.W.C!

Organisers noted an increase in sales as people scrambled to secure their place at remaining food and wine offerings, with a uniquely Hawke's Bay twist.

So far 22 of the 61 innovative events had sold out completely, while a further 14 were running very low.

"We have had a spike as things get closer, sales have been strong since Friday last week," General manager of Hawke's Bay Tourism Annie Dundas said.

"We are starting to see things really shift too, we have had some events open up ticket sales because they sold out and wanted to offer more."

How's about them Apples? at St Georges Restaurant is one such event and will see Francky Godinho demonstrating how apples can be used in many different and creative ways.

The Summer Series runs across 10 days from Friday, October 31, finishing with a flourish on Sunday, November 9.

It's set to launch with the ultimate "boot party" at Craggy Range Winery, which will showcase wines matched with dishes prepared by a team of Hawke's Bay chefs. Joining them will be well known faces Nici Wickes, Julie Biuso, Martin Bosley and New Zealand Masterchef winners Nadia Lim, Chelsea Winter and Kasey and Karena Bird.

Ms Dundas said unbelievably there were still spaces left at the opening, with just two weeks to go. "I can't believe it [hasn't sold out] I just read the menu and my mouth is watering. This year we have increased the tickets to 400, it was 350 last year."

Ray McVinnie will return as ambassador and passionate supporter of the festival which he believes is "world class".

He will host a free Masterchef class, at Napier's MTG on Saturday, November 1.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit fawc.co.nz.