Key Takeaways:
- The Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne, New Zealand, was a success with no significant issues reported over New Year’s Eve.
- The festival featured fireworks and music sets that continued into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
- A highlight of the festival was a performance by an 81-year-old grandmother, who played a set in front of a young crowd and raised money for the SuperGrans charity.
- The festival has a history of supporting local charities, including the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund and Lifeline.
- The event was well-organized and received positive feedback from attendees and performers.
Introduction to the Festival
The Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne, New Zealand, was a resounding success over New Year’s Eve, with no significant issues reported. According to a police spokeswoman, the event was well-managed, and police were able to prevent planned large gatherings by antisocial road users. The festival itself was a celebration of music and fireworks, with sets continuing into the early hours of New Year’s Day. Fireworks lit up the sky to welcome the new year, and the sound of music could be heard several kilometers away.
A Memorable Performance
One of the highlights of the festival was a performance by 81-year-old grandmother, Pardoe, who took to the stage in front of a mostly young crowd. Despite the muddy conditions, Pardoe was enthusiastic about playing her set, which was selected to be "appropriate for folk dancing with an 81-year-old on the deck." She said that the experience was "just fun" and that she was grateful for the support of her family, friends, and strangers in the crowd. Pardoe’s performance was also a fundraising effort for the SuperGrans charity, which is the official charity partner of Rhythm and Vines.
Preparation and Gratitude
Pardoe spent time before the gig preparing herself for the moment, including shopping for an outfit with her 28-year-old grandson. She said that she was grateful for the reception she received at the event, including the support of the organizers, who treated her "like royalty." Pardoe also praised the hospitality of the event staff and the spirit of the festival, which brought people together to celebrate after a long and hard year. She acknowledged that she couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone involved and was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the event.
Charity Partnership
The partnership between Rhythm and Vines and SuperGrans is an important one, with the festival providing a platform for the charity to raise funds and awareness. In previous years, the festival has raised significant amounts of money for local charities, including $40,000 for the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund over two years and over $62,500 for Lifeline. Pardoe’s performance was a highlight of the festival’s charity efforts, and she was grateful for the opportunity to be involved. The partnership between Rhythm and Vines and SuperGrans is a testament to the festival’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Conclusion
The Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne was a success, with a great atmosphere, good music, and a memorable performance by Pardoe. The event was well-organized, and the partnership with SuperGrans was a highlight of the festival’s charity efforts. The festival’s ability to bring people together and provide a platform for local charities to raise funds and awareness is a testament to its importance in the community. As Pardoe said, the spirit of the festival is "just so good for Gisborne," and it’s clear that the event will continue to be a highlight of the city’s calendar for years to come.