The Rhythm and Vines music festival will stop people bringing their own alcohol to campgrounds after a booze-fuelled riot last year sparked concerns for public safety.
Rhythm and Vines Photo: Rhythm & Vines / Alexander Hallag
The festival is held at Waiohika Estate vineyard, just outside Gisborne, over the New Year period.
At the most recent event, cars were overturned and tents were set on fire at the campground for the BW Summer Festival music festival, which runs alongside the Rhythm and Vines festival.
The riot took place at the BW Summer Festival, which runs alongside but separate to Rhythm and Vines. Photo: Ollie Neas
Rhythm and Vines organisers said this week the nearby campground where the riot took place has been closed down, and everyone attending will be sheltered on festival grounds.
Drinks as cheap as $3 will be sold on site from 10am to 3pm each day of the festival.
Festival founder Hamish Pinkham said the changes will stop people going off-site to buy alcohol.
"We're trying to prevent people from going off-site and going to the bottle store and drinking in public areas, so having well-priced drinks will encourage punters to stay within the festival and stay within our security and our patronage."
He said each day the price for drinks will increase once the entertainment starts.