Hastings Guys and Gals get behind Deco Delights

Hastings’ arts community and Hastings District Council are stepping up Art Deco celebrations due to demand from locals and tourists alike.

At the last Geon Art Deco Weekend, in February, the Hawke’s Bay Opera House held the inaugural Black Tie Ball – it was a sell-out and with tickets already on sale for next year’s event tickets are selling fast for the popular event.

The success of the Black Tie Ball has signaled Hastings residents want to get into the swing of Art Deco Weekend and now the arts community has put together a packed billing of events throughout the city.

Hastings Deputy Mayor and Art Deco Trust life member, Cynthia Bowers, says it’s fantastic to see enthusiastic Hastings Art Deco supporters, the Hawke’s Bay Opera House, Hastings City Art Gallery and Hastings City Marketing joining forces to provide quality events which will showcase Hastings’ heritage architecture and cultural facilities.

“The Art Deco Trust has welcomed these new events and has gone out of its way to encourage and support them - we welcome that support.

“My husband Ewan and I acted as hosts for this year’s Black Tie Ball and look forward to doing so again in 2009. People from all over New Zealand and overseas attended the wonderful event and they were most impressed by the Assembly Hall’s sprung dance floor, which is tailor-made for ballroom dancing.”

Hastings Art Deco Events, February 17th – 22nd:

Thursday:
The Black Tie Ball in the Assembly Ball Room.
Costume Capers in the Opera House Plaza – this free show details Deco clothes.
Stage Struck – Dinner and entertainment on the Opera House Theatre stage.

Friday:
· The New Zealand Navy Band – free concert at 2.00pm in the Plaza.
· Red, Hot and Cole 7pm – a revue of the life and memorable music of the legendary song writer Cole Porter at the Hawkes Bay Opera House.

Saturday:
Red, Hot and Cole 3pm & 8pm

Sunday:
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Central Band 12.30pm – 2.30pm - New Zealand’s largest professional symphonic band will play “a bit of something for everyone” from the classics to jazz, from Dvorak to the Village People.
HBS Summer in the Park 3pm – 5pm – Hastings Citizen Band at Cornwall Park

All Weekend:
Flip-side: the rise of Surrealism - An alternative look at the Art Deco era in Aotearoa New Zealand. Held at the Hastings City Art Gallery.
Music Alive – Musicians will play on the City Centre Stage through the weekend.
Spanish Mission and Opera House tours – Daily guided walks of Hastings architectural highlights.
Quake Tours – Daily guided walks of Hastings City.
Stream Train Rides – The Hastings Huff and Puff on Saturday and The Otane Outing on Sunday.

Sunday,15th March:
When the Dust has settled – Picnic in the beautiful grounds of Stoneycroft House while listening to bands and singing groups, or visit the Devonshire Tea Tent and floral Displays.