Festival attractions eclectic mix

CROONER CLASSICS: Steve Carlin will perform as part of the Greytown Arts Festival. PHOTO/FILE

Programme geared to appeal to wide range of people

Excitement is building over the annual Greytown Arts Festival, with the full programme released on Wednesday.

A twilight market, theatre performances, live music, a steampunk festival, cycle ride, workshops and art exhibitions feature in the three-day festival, which officially launches on Friday, February 13, at the Greytown Town Centre.

Festival organiser Nichola Adams says the eclectic programme will appeal to a wide range of people: "The beauty of our festival programme is its diversity and community involvement.

"Visitors to Greytown can see everything from one of Wairarapa's most extraordinary gardens to funny theatre performances and just about everything in between," she said.

One of New Zealand's oldest gardens, Fernside Gardens, noted for featuring in The Lord of the Rings, will open its gates to the public for two days.

Designed by Heathcote Helmore, the historic homestead is a five-minute drive south of Greytown, set in landscaped gardens and includes a rhododendron walk, "secret" walled garden, native New Zealand garden and an oak "cathedral".

Greytown Little Theatre's adaptation of the ancient Greek comedy, Aristophanes' The Frogs will also feature.

It tells the story of the god Dionysus' travels to the underworld to bring back a playwright from the dead.

For those who want to get physical, the Greytown Bike n Hike will be another highlight, held in conjunction with the Huri Huri bike festival, on the 10km flat Greytown Rail Trail.

Lots of live music will fill the air throughout the festival, including offerings from Kuranui old boy Conway Jeune and his award-winning band, Tunes of I.

Musician Steve Carlin will also open up his historic Greytown home on the last day of the festival to entertain the crowd with "crooner classics" from the age of swing.

Full details of the programme and ticketing information are available at www.greytownartsfestival.co.nz

People can also pick up a hard copy of the programme from South Wairarapa libraries, i-SITE visitor information centres and the Carterton Events Centre.