Rain hasn't dampened the party atmosphere at Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines festival.

Thousands of festival-goers have descended on Waiohika Estate vineyard for three-day music and camping festival - running since 2003.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Andrew Dickens that locals once loathed the event but it's now embraced by almost everyone.

He says the young people who attend bring millions of dollars into the local economy, and bring a vibrancy to town.

LISTEN ABOVE