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A scaled down version of the Kowhai Festival on October 21 has put the event firmly back on the local calendar.
Billed as the Welcome Back Celebration, it was the first festival since covid cancelled the 2020 event.
An organiser Murray Chapman says even this year’s event was close to being cancelled due to a lack of volunteers. However, a last-minute plea for helpers had produced a good turnout.
“Several of these new people have joined the committee so I think this shows that we will be able to return to a much bigger event next year,” he said.
This month’s festival was based around the wharf area and Kapanui Street. The programme featured live music, a bar run by Bohemian Cider and Matakana Wine Growers, and food trucks. Entertainers included jazz group Latter Karma, Jade River Ukes, Warkworth Big Band, The Drive, The Dirty Happys and White Chapel Jak.
Chapman said he had heard a few grumbles from people who were disappointed the festival was not as big as previous years, but believed a lot of people did not realise how much work was involved in putting on the festival or how much it costs.
“The stage alone costs $16,000 and traffic management is out-sourced for $2000. We’re very grateful for the funding we receive from the Rodney Local Board and the on-going support of local businesses such as long-time supporters Northland Waste. We couldn’t do it without them.
“I think people forget that the festival is organised entirely by volunteers who kick things off in February.”
Chapman estimated that over the day, about 6000 people attended the festival, mostly from Warkworth and the wider Mahurangi catchment.
The committee will hold a de-brief meeting on November 8. More volunteers are always welcome.
