Maritime merriment

Picton’s popular 2024 Maritime Festival has attracted record crowds.

Competitions on and off the water kept competitive spirits high, with entertainment on the Interislander stage proving a firm family favourite.

Picton Maritime Festival organizer Beryl Bowers says people have been remarking to her how well the event has been received.

“This has definitely been our biggest Maritime Festival so far; we’ve estimated 6000 people have come along over the two days.

“I couldn’t be happier with everything … even down to our performance as part of the Acapella Belles.

“New people that joined this year as vendors and helpers have said they couldn’t believe how well-run, calm and organised this weekend has been for us.”

Queen Charlotte College’s Kapa Haka group kicked off the event on Friday, followed by a variety show of artistic and musical acts through into the evening.

Tug-of-war contests, Clinker boat trips, learn to row activities, Surf Life Saving displays entertained throughout Saturday, before the night’s entertainment of The Blueprint, PRINS and Leanne Meikle saw an outdoor dancefloor with a firework display in the harbour to finish.

“I just love how from its beginnings the Maritime Festival has developed as a great community event where we have groups performing and displaying that willing to volunteer their time and help whoever, where they can with the weekend,” Beryl says.

“Everyone including us, stallholders, performers attendees, and security staff have had a great time, and we hope everyone that has joined in did as well.”