Blues lovers and barbecue fanatics listen up! The New Zealand Blues & BBQ Festival is at Rotorua Village Green on November 24-26 – and, man, there’s some delicious music and food to devour during three days!

Festival music director Paul Hindrup says the 2023 entertainment line-up is “exceptional” featuring an impressive roster of international and homegrown artists.

Be mesmerised by ‘Sir’ Midge Marsden, Bay of Plenty’s Grant Haua, plus “the absolutely brilliant” Petra Rijnbeek and The Flaming Mudcats. “Back by popular demand is Australian band 19-Twenty – they absolutely blitzed it last year with their super high energy and comedy-filled act.”

Tauranga institution Kokomo will be there, so will Rehaab, Australian Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers, Jimi Kara, The Dirty Tones, Whangārei’s Legacy Band, Theory 89, Robert Locks Loaded and more!

“These phenomenal artists will bring their unique talents and electrifying performances, creating an unforgettable experience for all.”

A festival highlight is the youth competition on Sunday, November 26, which is open to youth soloists, duos and bands. “We have a $5000 recording time prize for best youth band and plenty more prizes in-store. At BOP Blues Club, part of our mission is to develop and support youth in their music – so come to watch these youngsters!”

On the festival’s BBQ plate, TVNZ’s ‘Cooks On Fire’ winners Rotorua couple Shaun and Alia Branson will serve up a pitmasters competition, mouth-watering barbecue food for sale and BBQ retailers.

“Festival-goers can watch NZ’s best pitmasters compete in two internationally-sanctioned competitions, plus there will be many delicious vendors offering favourite hot ‘n’ fast and traditional low ‘n’ slow barbecued morsels,” says Alia. “Meanwhile, BBQ retailers will offer deals, demonstrations, tastings and classes.”

For tickets and more information, see: www.Bluesandbbq.co.nz