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Year of the Dragon for the 2012 Marlborough Wine Fest
October 7, 2011
It’s the Year of the Dragon for the 2012 Marlborough Wine Festival
In Chinese astrology, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon – and the Marlborough Wine Festival has taken that to heart for its 29th annual event.
The Marlborough Wine Festival, to be held on February 11 next year, will feature the Kiwi super group Dragon as its headline act.
Formed by Marc and Todd Hunter back in 1973, Dragon made their first appearance at The Great Ngaruawhahia Music Festival, and went on to become one of the most recognised and beloved bands of the era.
Todd Hunter reformed Dragon in 2006, with renowned New Zealander Mark Williams as lead singer and in 2008 the band was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame and this year into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. With hits such as April Sun in Cuba, Are You Old Enough and Rain, Dragon are set to provide a crowd pleasing performance.
It is the first time the band has appeared at the Marlborough Wine Festival and spokesperson Marcus Pickens says it is significant they should do it in the Year of the Dragon.
“In China the Dragon is seen as the ultimate cultural symbol, signifying success and enjoyment. The Marlborough Wine Festival is also a symbol of these things. We see ourselves as the original New Zealand wine festival and every year we see thousands of happy consumers come to this amazing location eager to be a part of it.”
Other entertainment on the day gives festival goers real diversity and includes Dane Rumble, Tahuna Breaks and more yet to be announced.
The 8000 tickets to the Marlborough Wine Festival go on sale on Saturday October 8th and Mr Pickens is expecting a total sell out.
“Every year we get to the week of the festival and have people desperate to get tickets. We expect no different this year and encourage people to get in and book early.”
With so many of Marlborough’s famous wines on display and available for tasting, along with dozens of gourmet food outlets, the Marlborough Wine Festival is one of the “101 Must Do Festival and Events in New Zealand”.
It will once again be held at the regions historic Brancott Vineyard – home of Marlborough’s first plantings of Sauvignon Blanc.
Tickets are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or on 0800 224 224.
ENDS
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