The Bay of Plenty’s favourite summertime festival, the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival, is back in 2024.

Katikati, the Avocado Capital of New Zealand, has hosted the festival since January 2004 drawing crowds from all over the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

“The Festival is the highlight of the local summer event calendar as it always delivers a good time, delicious food and outstanding wine,” says Kirst O’Rourke, Katch Katikati Events Manager.

“The 2024 festival will be another unmissable event with groovy summer sounds and a family-friendly atmosphere.

“We’re thrilled to announce reggae-inspired band, The Black Seeds as the main act,” says Kirst.

“They’re well known for rocking dance floors with their raw energy and good vibes.”

Described by Clash Music as “one of the best live reggae acts on the planet”, The Black Seeds have numerous sold-out tours behind them and have performed at the world’s leading festivals.

The Black Seeds eight-piece live show seamlessly blends funk, soul, dub and Afrobeat into their reggae foundation, along with their own South Pacific influences.

With more than 63 million Spotify streams since 2015, their music continues to connect with audiences young and old around the world.

Rounding out the line-up of non-stop live music is Midnight Fizz and Jacob Scott.

The festival is family-friendly with activities for the kids, along with avocado-inspired cooking demonstrations in the kitchen gazebo and a diverse range of avocado-themed food and beverage vendors on site.

“The festival is such a great opportunity to sit back and relax – or get up and dance -while settling into the summer holiday vibe,” says Kirst.

“Everyone has a great time and leaves with a smile on their face. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer's day.”

The festival will be on Saturday, January 13, at the Uretara Domain, Katikati from noon until 6pm.