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Napier’s inaugural Collins Street Festival is set to hit Ahuriri, one of Hawke’s Bay’s coolest little suburbs, on Saturday, March 2.
Nestled in a stretch of road behind the Urban Winery, this brand new festival showcases the best of what the region has to offer, bringing together the finest in local food, drinks and talent.
The street will be alive with music from 1pm to 10pm, featuring a stacked lineup of both local talent and headliners the award winning Auckland based rock and roll legends Racing. This three-piece band crafts a swirling sea of groove and hypnosis into rock anthems drenched in tropical dance music.
Racing, releasing their debut album ‘Real Dancing’ in 2019 were subsequently nominated for Best Rock Artist at the 2019 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. Singles ‘Motel Pool’, ‘Run Wild’ and ‘Party Slow’ all reached number one on the rock music charts.
Joining the lineup are Aotearoa’s favourite covers band – White Chapel Jak. Bursting with light and energy, Bonnie and the band command attention every time they hit the stage. Their take on some absolute classics make the night one to remember. In support the local talent on this lineup includes Deep Fried Funk, House of Beats, Miakie, Scarlett Eden, Snead Place, Sneeky and SS61.
Collins Street Festival will be a feast for the senses. Partnering with local beverage creators the Urban Winery, National Distillery, Brave Brewing, Zeffer Cider and Fortune Favours, there’s a touch of something for every palate. A haven for those seeking a taste of Napier’s burgeoning drink-making scene, this event serves as a platform to showcase the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Napier, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in these rich flavors.
And what’s a street party without street food? Food trucks will be lining the road, offering up delights to keep your tastebuds happy. Showcasing the best of Hawkes Bay’s culinary class for you to appreciate the flavors of this extraordinary landscape.
Pre-COVID, the idea of creating a party in this unique stretch of road was held by Tony Bish (Urban Winery) and Beth Elstone (Littlestone). The concept of people gathering in a space, where the making of beer, wine and spirits is the day to day, collides with opening that same space for people to come and experience the magic.
“Honestly this idea has been brewing quite literally for over four years,” says Beth. “Its quite special what beverage producers do year on year, and even more so, the space in which they do it. We are involved in running a street party down in Christchurch and the urban environment is where it’s at when it comes to letting your hair down.”
Beyond music and drinks, Collins Street Festival carries a deeper meaning. It stands as a symbol of Napier’s resurgence since the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2022.
More than just a festival, it is a collective effort to showcase the city’s revival, emphasizing that Napier is not only open for business but thriving with creativity and resilience.
Tickets are now available from www.collinsstfestival.co.nz
