Marchfest is Nelson's hip harvest hop festival - an event unlike any other New Zealand beer festival - uniquely centred on local craft beers, gourmet food, fine wines and family-friendly activities.

This year, Marchfest features 11 new craft beers created especially for the event by local craft breweries. Live music lined up for the event includes singer/songwriter Don McGlashan, The Eastern, Carmen Salvador from Chile, The Shot Band, The Immigrants, Ras Judah and La Vida String Quartet.

As well as the beers, there will be local ciders, fine wines, juices and local cuisine. And for the kids, Marchfest provides a huge bouncy obstacle course, pony rides, train rides, a DVD theatre and a dedicated ginger beer and lemonade bar. MarchFest 2010 will also be sustainable, and hopes to include various alternative energy sources for festival activities - including bicycle-powered amps for the musicians!

MarchFest takes place from midday to 9.30pm on Saturday April 17th at Founders Heritage Park. See www.marchfest.com for full event details.

Book via Nelson Escapes or iTICKET and be in to win 2 tickets on Aquataxi from Kaiteriteri/Marahau exploring the Abel Tasman National Park. Prize is valued at $122.00

march fest