Latest news with #Hawke'sBayArtsFestival
Scoop
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Ten Years Of Art, Story And Spectacle: The 2025 Hawke's Bay Arts Festival Programme Has Landed
The 2025 Hawke's Bay Arts Festival programme has been officially unveiled, marking a milestone tenth year for one of the region's most anticipated cultural events. Taking place from 9 – 19 October across Hastings, Havelock North and Napier, the Festival will present live music, dance, theatre, circus and a range of visual art exhibitions and family-friendly events. Festival Director Jade Baker says the 2025 programme is a celebration of legacy and possibility. 'This year's Festival is a reflection of everything we've learned that the community loves, over the past ten years. But it's also a call to keep going.' 'Creativity bridges imagination and reality,' continues Ms Baker. 'It fuels problem solving, innovation, and connection and it deserves greater recognition in Aotearoa. The arts don't just enrich lives; they shape stronger, more resilient communities. They help us make sense of the world around us and remind us what it means to be human.' 'Whether it's your first time at the Festival or your tenth, we want everyone to feel welcome. There's something in the programme for every age, every price point, and every kind of curiosity,' says Baker. Headlining the Festival is Cirque Bon Bon – a glittering, high-energy circus spectacular fresh from sell-out shows across Australia. Other highlights include the return of internationally acclaimed soul singer Deva Mahal, bold new contemporary dance work Holding Ground by New Zealand Dance Company, critically acclaimed theatre pieces Hysterical and Guru of Chai, immersive jazz cabaret The Velvet Rebels, and an intimate indie-folk gig, Fables. The Festival also features a wide range of visual art, family-friendly events, and regionally rooted programming that reflects the creative spirit of Hawke's Bay. Mayor of Hastings Sandra Hazlehurst says the return of the Festival marks an exciting milestone for the region. 'It's a real pleasure to welcome the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival back to Heretaunga Hastings for its tenth anniversary. This event brings such vibrancy and creativity to our community, and it's wonderful to see it return with a programme that reflects the best of who we are. From performances at Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre to family events and exhibitions, the Festival offers something for everyone, and it plays an important role in strengthening the cultural life of our region. I encourage everyone to get out and support it.' Ms Baker encourages locals to plan their Festival early and get behind the arts this October. 'Come out for a night of laughter, music, story or spectacle. Bring your mates, book your tickets, and support the artists who inspire, challenge, and connect us. Some shows will sell fast - so get in early and be part of it.' The full programme is available to view on the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival website. Tickets will go sale 9.00am Thursday 31 July via and Eventfinda.
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Hawke's Bay Arts Festival returns with 10th anniversary programme
The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival returns October 9 to 19, with Cirque Bon Bon and more. Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival returns October 9 to 19, with Cirque Bon Bon and more. The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival is set to make its return this spring, marking a decade of showcasing local and international talent across the region. Running from October 9 to 19, the festival, which was cancelled last year because of financial pressures, will bring 11 days of music, theatre, circus, dance, visual arts, and family-friendly events to venues across Hastings, Havelock North, and Napier. Festival director Jade Baker says the 2025 programme is a celebration of legacy and possibility. 'This year's festival is a reflection of everything we've learned that the community loves over the past ten years. But it's also a call to keep going,' Baker says. 'The arts don't just enrich lives; they shape stronger, more resilient communities. They help us make sense of the world around us and remind us of what it means to be human.'
Scoop
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
International Circus Extravaganza Debuts In Tauranga, Taranaki And The Hawke's Bay
An international, high-profile circus spectacle will be coming to NZ this year for the first time, taking to the stage in three provincial cities. Cirque Bon Bon, which has been likened to Cirque du Soleil, is set to delight the crowds in Taranaki, Tauranga, and Hawke's Bay thanks to a collaboration between three leading Arts Festivals - Reimagine Festival (Taranaki), Tauranga Arts Festival, and Hawke's Bay Arts Festival. The just-announced NZ visit, in October, will be hot on the heels of sold-out tours in Australia, where this talented circus troupe thrilled multi-generational audiences. Tauranga Arts Festival General Manager Sarah Cotter says there's great excitement wrapped around this festival offering as Cirque Bon Bon is a high-octane international act featuring a fusion of circus, dance and comedy. Plus, it's suitable for all ages. 'Get your tickets now and start getting excited as Cirque Bon Bon will burst on the stage to deliver an extravaganza of mind-bending contortion, sensational dancers, gravity-defying acrobatic stunts and more than a few laughs. Tauranga, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay - and visitors to those areas - should prepare to be wowed,' Sarah enthuses. Cirque Bon Bon has been likened to Cirque du Soleil for good reason. It has been created by former Cirque du Soleil director Ash Jacks and choreographer Julieann Nugent. In the words of Ash: 'We've used every last trick in the book to make this show something you just can't look away from.' The excited Tauranga, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay arts festival organisers say in the past people from the provinces had travelled to the bigger cities to see circus spectacles. Now the magic is coming to their cities. Cirque Bon Bon will be hosted by the 'outrageously funny' Mario, Queen of the Circus. Under his watch, daring skill will blend with striking style in a fast-paced celebration of what's been described as 'a celebration of beauty and bravery with a killer soundtrack and breathtaking visuals'. Cirque Bon Bon will feature first in Taranaki on October 9-12 at TSB Showplace. Tickets are available at: and Eventfinda. This will be followed by the Hawke's Bay on October 17,18 at Toi Toi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, with tickets available from or via EventFinda. Four performances will be held in Tauranga from October 23-25. Tickets can be bought via Tauranga Art Festival's site or Eventfinda
NZ Herald
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Hawke's Bay Arts Festival returns, with international circus act to open 10th edition
The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival returns in October, with Cirque Bon Bon opening the 10th edition. The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival is making its long-awaited return in October. The festival was cancelled last year because of financial pressures and declining revenue in the events sector.
