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Beautiful wine, food, family fun and classic cars at Highlands Festival of Speed
The Highlands Festival of Speed connected by ENZED takes place over the weekend of 30 January to 1 February – the same weekend as the 2015 Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert – adding to the summer party atmosphere in the region.
With the chance to savour fine Central Otago wines, craft beers and seasonal produce while enjoying great racing action from a wide array of classic muscle cars, saloons and open wheelers, the second classic-themed Festival of Speed at Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park is one event race fans won’t want to miss.
“Muscle car fans around the region are gearing up to enjoy the first trans-Tasman battle on this side of the Tasman between the Australian ENZED Touring Car Masters and the ENZED Central Muscle Cars,” says Highlands marketing manager Melanie Kees.
“More than 20 Aussie Racing Cars hitting the Highlands’ circuit for the first time is another race highlight of the weekend. Known as the ‘weekend warriors’, competitors in the Aussie Racing Cars are sure to deliver great race action as they race three and four abreast around some of Highlands’ most challenging corners.”
Ms Kees says: “Entertainment for all the family is a trademark aspect of every event at Highlands and there will be lots for everyone to do and enjoy at the Highlands Festival of Speed at the end of January.
“Love to strut your stuff in beautiful vintage or retro clothing? The Highlands Fashion in the Field parade taking place on Sunday beside the Museum is open for all to enter – young and not so young, we’d love to see you in the parade!
“We’re also delighted Arrowtown’s popular Buckingham Belles cancan troupe will join us for a special performance on Sunday. If you haven’t seen these lovely ladies perform, you’ll be amazed at their energy and talent!”
Ms Kees continues: “Are your little ones brave enough to climb the massive Spiderweb climbing structure and descend its enormous inflatable slide? Supplied by local Dan Harman who’s known for his fun bungy tramps, the Spiderweb is the latest addition to Dan’s array of active entertainment products. There are also opportunities for anyone to have a go on the racing simulators or try their luck panning for gold.
“The new Highlands safari park will also be open all weekend and it’s easy to hop on the Highlands shuttle bus which travels around the circuit loop road every 15 minutes. Spot the dinosaurs in the forest – there are heaps you can climb on – and play on the flying fox.”
Complementing the weekend’s exciting on-track action, the Highlands Here’s Tae Ye wine and food festival takes place on Sunday and showcases a great selection of outstanding Central Otago wines and a diverse array of seasonal foods.
“While racing and the motor show take place both days, the wine and food festival is hosted in a dedicated marquee on the top terrace beside the Highlands National Motorsport Museum on Sunday only,” says Ms Kees. “Each person pays a modest $5 fee to receive their festival wine glass and purchases tokens to redeem for their choice of wines and food with the retailers, while enjoying one of the best spectator viewing points in the whole complex from which to enjoy Sunday’s racing. Naturally, you need to be aged 18 or over to access the wine and food festival marque and responsible drinking is the name of the game at Highlands.”
Ms Kees says a huge variety of classic, vintage, retro and custom cars, motorcycles, caravans and boats are expected in the Highlands Classic Motor Show.
“We’re delighted to have already had so many entries for the Highlands Classic Motor Show – it’s going to be a brilliant line-up for all to enjoy with vehicles from many different eras being displayed by their proud owners.”
The weekend’s schedule sees race competitors hit the track on Friday for practice and qualifying sessions. Public viewing is available from the top terrace with the purchase of a Museum ticket. Saturday has a full schedule of race action as well as all the family entertainment options and the motor show. Sunday sees the addition of the Here’s Tae Ye wine and food festival to the line-up of entertainment to enjoy. Pre-event tickets are available to purchase online from Ticket Direct or from the Highlands’ museum office – an adult pass is $39 for Saturday only, $49 for Sunday only or both days (a weekend pass) for $80. Children under 16 years of age have free entry with a paying adult. Tickets are also available at the gate; save $10 on each ticket option by purchasing before the event.
More information about the ENZED Highlands Festival of Speed and all regular Highlands Motorsport Park attractions is available on the venue’s website www.highlands.co.nz, or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HighlandsMotorsportPark.