Raggamuffin: Reggae fans getting into groove

As the first band took to the Raggamuffin village stage, Napier siblings Morgan and Ray Alpin couldn't wait to get into the groove of the reggae music festival.

This year is the first time the brother and sister had taken in the festival and they were looking forward to it, Miss Alpin told The Daily Post.

"We've always wanted to come. Last year I was pregnant so we decided to make sure we were coming this time."

They were looking forward to being part of the festival but most of all to hearing their favourite bands, she said.

"I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the mood from the people. It's going to be really cool ... I'm so wanting to hear J Boog and the queen of reggae Lauren Hill."

Her brother is also keen on the line-up as well.

"It's just the whole vibe.

"It's going to be so good to hear Herbs and Black Seeds live," Mr Alpin said.

It's the second time Tuakau's Erin Bell-Hira has taken in the festival and she too was looking forward to the weekend's music festival.

"It was fantastic last year. Just awesome. We had to come back.

"The atmosphere, the music and the people - it was all great. It was such a buzz," she said.

The top field at the International Stadium was a sea of green, yellow and red as about 2500 people piled on to the field for the beginning of the two-day festival last night.

Dozens of stalls were being picked over by punters buying anything reggae they could find.

Some were getting their hair braided, others getting dreadlocks or compact discs.

As the bands played, some festival-goers sat in the Kava Lounge while others played wet soccer, giant Twister games or munched on food and drink.