Idol Stan wows crowd at island festival
Nearly 3000 people of many cultures, ages and backgrounds, converged on Matakana Island for the Natural Breeze Music Festival and a glimpse of Australian Idol winner Stan Walker.
Organised by the island's Te Awanui Hauora Trust (health trust), Saturday's event aimed to take a strong stand against drugs, alcohol and smoking - with a ban on all three at the event.
The line-up of acts, including Katchafire, Herbs Unplugged, P-Money, PNC and Maisey Rika, all entertained the crowd but it was Walker - who made a fleeting visit home for the festival - who really captured the audience.
Light rain fell on festival-goers but that did not dampen their spirit to dance, or enjoy the entertainment, staged at Matakana Island Sports and Recreation Club.
After months of voluntary hard work, Matakana Island resident and interim chairman of the hauora, Tony Palmer watched his dream of a festival on the island come true.
Happy that the festival had almost sold out, Mr Palmer pointed to young and old - of all cultures - enjoying themselves.
"People have said 'good on you for making a stand' and look down there - it shows [people] do not need alcohol to have a good time and they're going to remember the event tomorrow."
Hauata Palmer said he was glad the event had been such a success for the committee who had put in so many voluntary hours to make it happen.
Lawrence Tairi came from Cambridge to support his whanau on Matakana Island.
"It is a brilliant day - I have never seen so many people on this field.
"There are heaps of people here from all over the place."
Jane Pou, from Tauranga, who was involved in construction of the clubroom, said the festival was fabulous.
"It is all cultures, young and old, with children enjoying the entertainment with their families," she said.
"But it is not about the adults or the teenagers - it is about whanau because music brings people together."
She gave credit to the many volunteers involved in making the day possible.
"The hard work that has gone into this by the island people is amazing - it is such a strong-knit community."
Kiwiana!!!!! Is that hand at the top yours?
credit source: http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/idol-stan-wows-crowd-at-island-festival/3908744/
Last edited by Simona on Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:21 pm; edited 1 time in total