HBAF 2024 Taster Events

While we eagerly await the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival, we are proud to announce a handful of exciting events happening this October – as a ‘taster’ to help keep your arts glass full.

The event series centres on a photographic exhibition by Richard Brimer ‘40 Vintages:  Hawke’s Bay Wine Chronicles’, on display at Hastings Community Arts Centre 9- 24 October. The exhibition is a pre-curser to his documentary set to be released in 2025, celebrating the region's wine industry and recent ascension to ‘Great Wine Capital of the World’ status.

Brimer says, “I began working in the wine industry in 1982 as a way to raise money to buy photography equipment, following the completion of my photography apprenticeship, and I’ve never stopped. I’ve documented 40 vintages, and published three books specifically on wine. I want this show to be a dramatic homage to this integral part of Hawkes Bay culture, and the many people that have worked so hard to get us here.”

The series runs from 12- 19 October and encompasses two ‘one-night only’ rare musical opportunities to feed your soul, an evening pairing world-class wines from Hawke’s Bay winemakers and boutique producers, Hawkes’ Bay Poetry Slam for 2024 (in partnership with Hawke’s Bay Readers and Writers Festival and Common Poets Society) and a presentation of Olivier-winning play ‘Emilia’ (in partnership with Fringe in the ‘Stings). All events are hosted at the Hastings Community Arts Centre.

Two Te Awanga locals and heroes in their respective creative fields, Conan Mockasin, and Richard Brimer, with special guest Riki Gooch, have collaborated to create a music and visual experience with wine matches from Clearview Estate, Craggy Range and Vilaura. This event is  on Saturday 12 October, a limited number of tickets are available for $30.

The following week, start your weekend right and join us on Friday 18 October for an evening where life imitates art, in partnership with Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Association. With complimentary tastings, nibbles, live music, and the option to purchase wine by the glass, this evening offers a unique chance to experience one of the world's Great Wine Capitals in action. A limited number of tickets are available for $35.

The following evening, Saturday 19 October another Hawke’s Bay music legend Jeff Boyle, of Jakob, has teamed up with Richard Brimer to create a second music event, with wine pairings from Paritua and Chateau Garage. A limited number of tickets will be available for $30.00.