Despite the slow drizzle coming down as I write I'm absolutely positive that summer is here.

Which means outdoor events. This week I'm going to have a look at a couple of those – there will be many more popping up in the near future.
Firstly, let me once again encourage all of you to head along to the Wine and Food Festival this Sunday, December 6. I kinda vaguely assumed that everyone in town knew about this splendid event, until earlier this week when I was forced by a gradually increasing pain to visit the dentist.
'Hey dentist!” I said as I was leaving (that's how dentists prefer to be addressed), 'are you going to the Wine and Food Festival?”
Well, long story short, he didn't know the festival was happening, so I decided on the spot to give it an extra plug in this week's paper.
Because I dig food and wine festivals, and I dig events that celebrate the Tauranga region, which this one does, this year offering a plethora of local food, music, and – no surprises – wine.
Of course it's really just an excuse for a day sitting round in the sun with friends. The Wharepai Domain is a lovely spot for that and it's the perfect chance to take time out before the impending pressures of Christmas close in. The festival runs from midday to 6pm.
There are nearly 50 different wines to be tasted (though there's no obligation to try them all) and food from De Bier Haus, The Sebel, Deli on Devonport, Mount Bistro, Amphora, Global Cuisine, Cornerstone Bethlehem, Astrolabe and Mount Eliza Cheese.
(Excuse me if I put in a plug here for those wonderful cheeses: it's so good to find a local cheese company specialising in English cheeses, as most seem to concentrate on Goudas and other European varieties. Mt Eliza do a Cheshire, a Cheddar, and Double Gloucester and a Red Leicester, all of which are beautifully made and a reminder that English cheese is amongst the best in the world despite what the glory-hogging French might tell you.)
Anyway, back to the Wine and Food Festival, and hats off to the organisers this year for arranging an all-Tauranga musical line-up. Starting at noon there is the smooth swing of veteran jazzman Woody Woodhouse, followed by the acoustic sounds of John Michaelz and Derrin Richards. Then there are festival favourites Kokomo with their patented blend of blues, jazz, country, and whatever else goes into the mix, followed by two of the town's best rock cover bands, 5 O'clock Shadow and Rock House Party.
Tickets are $25 (which includes a commemorative glass and a bottle of Waiwera water) and are available from Baycourt TicketDirect. You probably want to wait and see what the weather will be like before you commit, so there will also be gate sales at the domain if it's not previously sold out. The added good news is that all profits go to the Waipuna Hospice. What more can one ask?
Tickets are also on sale now for the other event where you get to sit out in the sun for a day, listening to music and enjoying food and drinks. I'm talking of course about the Blues Brews & BBQs. This is probably the most successful such bash in the country and tickets often sell out well in advance. In addition to craft beers from all over, there is also wine, cider and even the odd nip of schnapps available, and food courtesy of many people with barbeques.
This year there is a fine line-up of music including, as the organisers sometimes do, a couple of local bands. Those bands are Brilleaux, who should have their new album released by then, and the Aaron Saxon Band, who were so impressive at the last Jazz Festival. The rest of the programme is nice and varied and features Celtic sounds from Wellington's Hobnail Boots, blues from Auckland's Midnight Blues Band, the wonderful soulful funk of dDub, and – topping the bill - The Winch Brothers (Martin and Robb) doing their Eric Clapton show.
Blues Brews & BBQs takes place on January 14 and tickets are now on sale, once again $25 and available from Baycourt TicketDirect. And, again, it's good to note that money is donated to local charities and community groups.