Hastings 50 Years a City, New Zealand 2006
In 1956, Hastings reached the necessary population of 20,000 to become a city. It was official, so the mayor and the rest of the Hastings community have been celebrating since.
Hastings 50th Birthday
Celebrate Hastings 50th Anniversary
This September is Hastings' 50th birthday. In honour of the milestone, the city is hosting three weeks of excellent entertainment to reminisce on the past 50 years, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Running from 1-21 September, the Hastings 50th anniversary festival is a great way to jump-start into spring.
Some of the events are free, others are pay as you go. If you have lived in Hastings at any point in time this is sure to be a Hastings 50th birthday festival you will love.
Highlights for Hastings 50th Birthday
Free lunchtime concerts are running daily during the week Monday 4th until Friday 8th September from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. New performers will be taking centre stage everyday, so come along with your lunch and enjoy the entertainment the local talent has to offer.
Formal Fifties Dinner and Dance - Friday 8 September
Enjoy an evening that will take you back to the 1950s, with cocktails, dinner and dancing to music by the RNZAF band.
Friends, Fifties and Photos - Saturday 9 September
This is a great chance to reunite with long lost friends over a cup of tea and a scone. It is sure to bring up some classic memories from the past.
HBS Building Society Fifties Family Fun Day & Tabloid Sports Day - Sunday 10 September
Take your family to a 1950s-style Tabloid Sports event. It's also a great day to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some rock 'n roll music.
Johnny Devlin - Saturday 16 September
One of the festival highlights, you won't be able to stop yourself ripping up the dance floor with New Zealand's original King of Rock 'N Roll's greatest hits.
Festive Fifties with the Hawke's Bay Orchestra - Sunday 17 September
Combining the celebrations of the Hastings Blossom Festival and Mozart's 250th anniversary the Hawke's Bay Orchestra has an excellent line up of music organised.
View information on Hawke's Bay accommodation options.
While you're in town, don't forget to check out the Hastings Blossom Festival.