Last Saturday was my first festival of the season: Sunsetter in Albany, Auckland. This day festival had humble beginnings as a food and wine festival with music as an after thought. After progressing in popularity, the music became a bigger focal point than the wine and food. The headliners this year were Sneaky Sound System, Dick Johnson and General Lee.
With 2 stages, doors opened at 12noon as the event only went until 9pm. Going for a friend’s birthday, we got very lucky with the weather as it had rained for a week straight leading up to the day.
The crowd was as calm as a 20+ event can be, which was a nice change to have an older demographic. It was also nice to have a great selection of drinks over basic Heineken and Corona – which were also present. Breweries included: Garage Project, Deep Creek, Hallertau and Urbanaut. Wineries onsite were: Man O War, Soho Wines, Two Rivers, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Cloudy Bay. Food vendors were varied with options such as: Double Dutch Fries, Lulu’s Soft Serve, Sweet As Crepes and Vege Pulse.
It was a great start to the festival season, and I appreciated having a larger and more unique options for drinks. Getting home was a nightmare, so I wouldn’t add this to my annual festival calendar… it all depends on who will be performing next year.
What is your drink of choice at a day festival?