By FELICITY ROOKES - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 11/09/2009
Accommodation for Fleetwood Mac's December 20 concert is almost sold out in New Plymouth, with out-of-towners being referred to Stratford and Hawera for beds.
But those keen on the outdoors will be able to camp a mere two-minute walk from the TSB Bowl of Brooklands where the concert is being held.
The New Plymouth District Council and Taranaki Arts Festival Trust have opened Pukekura Raceway up for camping. The racecourse has room for 3000 people.
Taft chief executive Suzanne Porter says the campsite will be set up the same as it is for Womad.
"If you have come to the Womad campsite, you will know what it's about," she says.
"We have good showers and toilets it's not grungy."
Camping vouchers are available from Ticketmaster today.
For Friday and Saturday nights, the cost is $40 per person and for Sunday night, it's $20 per person.
Many wanting a campsite at the racecourse have already registered at New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for their tickets.
The Saturday, December 19, Fleetwood Mac concert sold out within 10 minutes on Wednesday.
A second concert the next night was announced shortly afterwards, with tickets selling rapidly.
It is likely about 36,000 people will pass through the TSB Bowl of Brooklands gates in a 24-hour period.
Taranaki Motel Association president Deborah Tawa says most New Plymouth motels are fully booked for the Sunday show.
"I have been referring people to Stratford and Hawera the phone has been running red hot," she said.
I-Site is also keen to help those travelling to New Plymouth find accommodation.
Team leader, visitor experience, Karen Moratti-Longstaff from i-SITE says they have been fielding hundreds of calls since the Fleetwood Mac concert was announced last month. "At this stage, what we are dealing with is people that might not have been able to get tickets for the Saturday show who might have actually put their names down to book a room for the Saturday," she says.
"We have been referring people to campsites, and having camping at the racecourse is a good option for people."
Another option is home hosting.
Mrs Moratti-Longstaff says about 300 people are opening their homes to concertgoers. "We are very pleased and grateful to have these people on board," she says.
"It would not hurt for more people to put their hands up."
Meanwhile, tickets for the Cliff Richard concert in February are going well and New Plymouth District Council manager business developments and events Garry Sharpe-Young is amazed at how many they are continuing to sell every day.
"It's going to be another very big crowd."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-dail...od-Mac-weekend