Key Takeaways:
- Police are urging revellers heading to Rhythm and Vines to expect delays due to heavy traffic over the New Year period
- Drivers are advised to build in extra travel time, stay sober, buckle up, and avoid distractions while driving
- Police will be focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed, and will be conducting breath tests
- The festival is expected to get off to a damp start with an orange heavy rain warning issued for the first day
- Festival goers are advised to dress to the conditions and be prepared for potential rain
Introduction to Rhythm and Vines
The Rhythm and Vines event is a popular New Year festival held at the Waiohika Estate vineyard near Gisborne, which attracts over 20,000 attendees each year. As the event approaches, police are warning revellers to expect delays due to heavy traffic, particularly from people who are unfamiliar with the roads. Tai Rāwhiti area commander Inspector Danny Kirk is urging drivers to be patient and build in extra travel time to account for potential hold-ups. He also emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, including staying sober, buckling up, and avoiding distractions while driving.
Police Safety Measures
Police will be out in force on both main and back roads across the region, focusing on "restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed". Inspector Kirk warned that drivers can expect to be breath tested if they are stopped, and that excuses for poor driving behavior will not be accepted. The police are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving, and are urging people to call 111 if they witness unsafe driving or 105 to report it after the fact. The goal is to ensure that everyone on the roads gets to their destination safely, and every driver plays a part in achieving this goal.
Festival Preparations
Despite the expected rain on the first day of the festival, Rhythm & Vines festival director Kieran Spillane said that they are not expecting to make any significant adaptations to the festival. The festival has been held for 23 years, and the organizers are experienced in dealing with various weather conditions. Spillane advised festival goers to dress to the conditions and be prepared for potential rain. The festival is expected to reach full swing on Tuesday and Wednesday, with around 22,000 people in attendance. The lineup includes a heavy metal band, which is a new direction for the festival, and Spillane is excited to see the reaction from the crowd.
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for the festival is looking damp, with an orange heavy rain warning issued for the first day. However, the rain is expected to clear up on December 30 and 31, making way for a dry and enjoyable festival experience. The ground at the festival site has been dry for the past month, so it is expected to absorb the rain without causing too much disruption. The festival organizers are keeping a close eye on the weather and are prepared to make any necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rhythm and Vines festival is expected to be a fun and exciting event, despite the potential for rain on the first day. Police are urging revellers to be safe and responsible on the roads, and festival organizers are taking steps to ensure a enjoyable experience for all attendees. With a lineup that includes a heavy metal band, the festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. By being prepared for the weather and taking necessary safety precautions, attendees can help make the festival a success and ensure that everyone gets home safely.