Thu, 27 Jan 2005
The Coromandel's most popular event is set to get even bigger in 2005!
The Whangamata Beach Hop is a celebration of the 50's and 60's which has grown phenomenally in the last three years. In
2004 the festival drew a crowd of 45,000 people, a huge achievement for a seaside town of only 4,000.
The festival combines a number of nostalgic themes from a bygone era:
1.Beautifully restored hot rods and classic cars, of which close to 1500 take part in a grand parade, and other cruises
to beaches up the coastline. Passionate car owners flock from all around New Zealand - the NZ Herald estimated over $40
million worth of vehicles took part in the festival last year!!! 2.Rock n Roll bands and dancing/competitions in a
street festival and various venues throughout the weekend 3.A range of other family related activities like a drive in
movie, 60's style longboard competition, the ever popular Hop Idol and a Nostalgia fair.
A range of New Zealand celebs take part in the festival including Gary McCormick and Trelise Cooper, and some other
personalities are set to join them this year.
The result is a colorful extravaganza showcasing rock n roll culture, set against the back drop of one of New Zealands
iconic seaside towns, and unparalleled anywhere in New Zealand.
Beach Hop 2005 looks like it will be even bigger with: 1.A number of overseas cars set to join the festival, including
"The Stallion", voted USA's most beautiful street rod and valued at $650,000US and 2.Chip Foose, well known for building
custom cars in the States for celebs like Jack Osbourne and Christoper Titus, will also be coming to Beach Hop 05
The festival takes place from Thurs 28 April - Sunday 1 May 2005. Photo's from last years festival are attached and you
can check out www.beachhop.co.nz for more information.
Most importantly, the festival is a community event, with all proceeds going towards the various Water Safety
organisations which support the seaside town.
ENDS