While Napier's Art Deco Festival was officially cancelled over uncertain Covid-19 restrictions, many events plan to go ahead following the regions return to Alert Level 1.
Over twenty events will go ahead this weekend at celebrated period venues such as the Mission Estate and Masonic Hotel.

Like the plot twist of an Agatha Christie whodunit – rumours of the 1930s-themed festival's demise have been grossly exaggerated.

"We already have guests here ready to have a wonderful time in Hawke's Bay," said Hawke's Bay Tourism Chief Executive Hamish Saxton.

Scheduled events including the Deco Belles bike ride and the Ritz Street party would go ahead, said Saxton. There would also be several new, independent events, which have been confirmed on the festival fringe.

"The reduction in Covid-19 Alert Levels means we can still put on a show for visitors to the region." he said.

The event which attracts 40,000 visitors to Hawke's Bay each year, was cancelled on Wednesday morning. After scrapping the first two days' of festival activities, chairwoman Barbara Arnott called the event off "to give certainty to the hundreds of entertainers, artists, contractors, event venues and suppliers."

Following a move on Alert Levels, the rag-time festival was quick to get back on its feet.
With a fine forecast, there will be plenty of free and open-air events for the public to enjoy on the town's Marine Parade.

For those who continue their travel plans to Hawke's Bay this week, visitors are advised to continue safe public hygiene and contact tracing under Level 1 guidelines.

text by Thomas Bywater, NZ Herald