Hostel jam-packed for Raggamuffin festival

BRING IT ON: Rock Solid Backpackers' Hayley Tutauha is prepared for Raggamuffin. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 290114SP5

They have been booked out for the past two weeks and are as ready as they will ever be for Raggamuffin weekend.

Rock Solid Backpackers co-owner Vanessa Miller said they had only been open five months and were having to turn people away.

"We hate having to do that ... but it's our first Raggamuffin weekend and we're really excited.

"For Raggamuffin we have about 60 per cent domestic guests and 40 per cent international. Usually it's about 98 per cent international," she said.

Rotorua Association of Motels secretary Bruce Beesley said motel owners were ready, but there was not the same buzz around the event as in previous years.

"It's a bit of a mixed bag, some are full of Raggamuffin people, but there's a lot out there who aren't.

"About this time last year we were full ... the word around is it's too expensive.

"But, there could be a lot of last-minute visitors waiting to check the long range weather forecast," he said.

Holding the official Raggamuffin after-party is the Side Pocket bar on Hinemoa St.

Official after-party organiser Lionel McDonald said it had been a five-month process getting ready for the big event.

"Our promoter Sam Hema - DJ Massive - who is also playing at Raggamuffin, helped get this here.

"There will be a VIP area, a large covered area outside and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

"The DJs will be playing simultaneously in three different areas and we'll be serving food all night.

Mr McDonald said they were hoping for between 400 and 500 people.

"There'll be a chance for people to meet the stars and there will be guest appearances and performances."

The official after-party runs from 11pm to 3am both days.

Holding an unofficial after-party is the team at the Ruck 'n Maul.

Co-owner Henry Mitchell said it was hoped their reggae nights on Friday and Saturday would pull some of the crowd after the main event.

He said Next Level Entertainment had lined up DJ Sir Vere, DJ Infrared and DJ Jay for the weekend.

"There's going to be about 20,000 visitors in town so it should be pretty exciting."

#Vegas night club (formerly Heaven & Hell) general manager Angela Potae said they were ready to open today after months of renovations. "There's a few little things to finish but we're ready for the weekend.

"We have DJ Villan over from the Gold Coast who'll be playing Friday and Saturday from 10pm until close."

Oppies Fish and Chips owner Michael Huang said he'd be going to the concert and had already had his friends the Common Kings, who are playing at the festival, into his shop. "It's very exciting, we can't wait.

"We'll be open both nights, we'll just stay open until everyone leaves. Last year we were open until 3am ... they love our food here," he said.