Taupo summer concert here until 2028
7 July 2016
Thousands of music fans are set to return to Taupo each summer after Taupo Summer Concert organisers signed an agreement to keep the event here until 2028.
Taupo Summer Concert Limited's current contract allows for a three year right of renewal when it expires next year. The Council agreed to grant the organisers a four-plus-four year extension in addition to that at its June meeting. This will allow them to hold a rock or country concert between January and March every year until 2028.
Mayor David Trewavas said the concert's organisers have a proven track record of bringing international acts to Taupo and expects to see even more musicians travelling this way each year.
"We've been given an amazing line-up of rock acts over the past five years and the annual concert is now firmly set amongst Taupo's iconic events. An extension to the contract means Taupo will play host to even more of these great shows in the future and will continue to boost visitors to Taupo by around 11,000 for each concert."
Mr Trewavas said negotiations with major international talent agencies to secure top musicians can take three or more years to finalise so an extended contract will make it easier to secure quality acts in the future.
Amanda Calvert of Greenstone Entertainment, who with husband Dean are the promoters of Taupo Summer Concert, said Taupo has always been a logical choice to host a concert each year. "I'm a third generation Taupo local and the Taupo District is close to our hearts," Ms Calvert said. "Off the back of our successful Queenstown concert in 2011, we had the vision to expand the Summer Concert to a nationwide tour. With a philosophy of hosting our concerts in idyllic holiday locations, Taupo was a logical choice due to being easily accessible and a great place to visit. We're proud we're able to attract thousands of concert goers to our beautiful district each year."
The Taupo District has hosted five summer concerts since the series began in 2012, featuring international artists such as Huey Lewis. Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Doobie Brothers and America. The 2017 concert will feature Icehouse, Alan Parsons Live Project and Bonnie Tyler. On average, 14,000 people attend the concert each year - with up to 90 per cent of those from out of town - bringing an estimated $2.16 million of economic benefit to the district annually. Concert organisers also spend around $200,000 enlisting the services of local contractors each year and donate $20,000 annually to local community groups.
END
