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P28 Monday, August 12, 2013
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Rhythm stops in Alps
Revellers get into the Rhythm and Alps spirit at the last festival at Terrace Downs. BY SUSAN SANDYS
SUSAN.S@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
Rhythm and Alps’ relocation to Wanaka has been described as a “massive” loss to the town of Methven. The two-day pre-New Year outdoor music festival has been held at the nearby Terrace Downs Resort since its inception two years ago, and many of those attending would either stay in the ski town, or visit to stock up on groceries and fuel. The festival is modelled on Rhythm and Vines which at-
tracts about 30,000 people to Gisborne each year. Numbers were building and about 3000 attended last year. On Friday organisers announced it was moving from Terrace Downs to Cardrona, near Wanaka. Methven Supervalue owner operator Steven Ling said it was “a real loss” for Methven. The festival had been held at a time of year which was quiet for businesses, and festivalgoers would come to Methven to buy food and supplies. It was not just the loss of
PHOTO TETSURO MITOMO 281212-TM-417
business, but an opportunity for the town to promote itself, with the event helping to “wave the flag” for Methven and let festivalgoers know of its attributes. Café Primo owner operator Marya Trengrove said it was a “massive” loss for Methven, and believed the town could have perhaps done more to keep the festival here. “It was huge for me,” she said of the business she received at the time. “It’s very disappointing.” Experience Mid Canterbury
general manger Nigel Birt said the moving of the event from the Methven area had taken everyone by surprise. The event had been starting to build as “an iconic regular event with good numbers”. He would have to do an economic study and survey to estimate the loss to Mid Canterbury in terms of money, but it was “easily” tens of thousands of dollars. The first he had known about the festival relocating was on Friday, and he planned to talk to
the organisers to see what was behind their decision. “I think the discussion needs to be had with the event organisers as to why,” Mr Birt said. Festival spokeswoman Julie Warmington told media on Friday that festival organisers were offered the opportunity to use a new location, and it was now moving to Cardrona in Central Otago, near Wanaka. Messages to both Rhythm and Alps organisers and Terrace Downs were not returned yesterday.
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