Deco delights come to Hastings

Music, fun and style will come to Hastings during the annual Art Deco weekend celebrations next month.

The Opera House, the Central Mall in Heretaunga Street and Duart House in Havelock North will become the focus of the cities art deco entertainment.

“Shaken not Stirred” at Duart House will get the celebrations off to a roaring start on the evening of the 3rd of February, which is the 81st anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The event will include decadent cocktails and delicious finger food which will be served by divinely, deco-clad waitresses.

27 year old Will Martin is to take the stage at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House stage with music for people of all ages. Martin is credited as being the youngest man in history to top the UK classical music charts. He sung the French National anthem prior to the Rugby World Cup final last year and is set to thrill the audience during his Opera House performance.

You will be able to top up your wardrobe with preloved art deco clothing from stalls set up in the centre of Hastings during “Madness in the Mall”. There will be plenty of opportunity to explore the many stalls from where you may be able to discover your next great Art Deco treasure

The Opera House will also host “Costume Capers” and the “Black Tie Ball” which will feature music from the HB Jazz Club Big Band.

To find out more about the truly magnificent architecture to be found in the central part of Hastings CBD, take a tour with historian and author Michael Fowler. Mr Fowler will recount the dramatic events from the earthquake and you will be able to view the scars which remain in Hastings.

“The Other Side of Deco” is a free Live@5 event in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House Plaza. Everyone is invited to enjoy an entertaining, Art Deco themed evening along with great music from the Bay City Stompers.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The earthquake of 1931 had a profound and lasting effect on Hastings with much of the CBD being rebuilt in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles. It is important that the historic value of these buildings is recognized and residents have the opportunity to become involved in Art Dec weekend celebrations.”

Art Deco in Hastings

• Friday February 3rd: Shaken not Stirred at Duart House
• Quake Tour with Michael Fowler: Thursday February 16th thru Saturday 18th. Bookings at Hastings iSite
• Thursday February 16th: Costume Capers in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House plaza
• Thursday February 16th: Black Tie Ball Hawke’s Bay Opera House Assembly Hall
• Friday February 17th: The Other Side of Deco Hawke’s Bay Opera House plaza
• Friday February 17th: Madness in the Mall-Stalls in the central mall near the clock tower
• Sunday February 19th: Will Martin in concert in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House

Post weekend event:
Sunday March 11th: When the Dust has Settled at Duart House

Tickets and more information is available at www.artdeconapier.com