Tomorrow's Hokonui Moonshiners' Festival will feature the largest stage in the festival's 11-year history.

The stage, which was used for the Pat Benatar concert last month, was brought down from Christchurch yesterday. When fully set up, it is more than seven metres high and 19m wide.

Organisers were faced with a challenge yesterday when they realised the power lines were 2m lower than the stage.

The problem was quickly resolved - the stage was moved forward and rubber sleeves added to the powerlines for extra protection.

Event organiser Jim Geddes said it looked as though this year will be the biggest festival ever, with a record 1000 presales.

"We've got a much bigger stage, because we've got much bigger bands. But because there's so much more machinery, the area will be more intimate," he said.

Previously the festival had a maximum capacity of 2000 people, but this year organisers would negotiate crowd size with security staff and police. "We've been working with police closely," Mr Geddes said.

The festival was not BYO, but there would be plenty of food and drinks available, Mr Geddes said.

The BYO ban also applied to water bottles.

Mr Geddes said there was seating available for up to 800 people.

"If you're concerned about having a seat, bring a fold-out chair," he said.

Sunscreen would be available, but Mr Geddes encouraged people to be weather conscious. "Bring a sunhat, prepare for all weathers," he said.

The Hokonui Moonshiners Festival starts at 11.45 am at the Gore Arts and Heritage Precinct on Hokonui Dr. $55 at the gate.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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