Waipu Pageant tickets sell well

The grassy banks of Waipu's Waihoihoi River have been transformed into the Glebe: a natural amphitheatre able to seat 4000 people for the Waipu Grand Pageant.

The question is - can the production anticipate an audience of 4000 people per night?

Waipu Museum production secretary Catherine Jenkins says while the tickets are not yet sold out, sales are "going really well".

"We've sold more tickets overall than we did 10 years ago [for the first pageant] - but having said that, this production is over two nights not one."

Such was the demand for tickets for the 2003 pageant that the final dress rehearsal was open to the public, then next day the Glebe was full with 4000 people, many others missing out and having to wait for the video.

The pageant will be held from 7pm on January 11 and 12, on the banks of the river, near the Presbyterian church. The dates were chosen because there would be a high tide (for river landings) and no moon (for maximum dramatic effect of lighting).

The main factor that could lead to postponement is the weather, but Ms Jenkins said: "The weather forecast is great." If postponement is needed, the decision will be made by 5pm on the day. Radio, the website, WDC call centre and the Waipu Museum will be notified and another date set.

The museum will be open till 7 both nights.