O-Week ticket sales strong

The Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) is hailing this O-Week as the biggest yet, with tickets to the main drawcard - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - already sold out.

OUSA president Francisco Hernandez said all 1500 super passes, which gave students entry to all O-Week events, had also sold out and the only tickets left were for individual events.

Tickets had sold fast this year largely due to the popularity of international top-selling hip-hop act Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, with all 5500 tickets for their gig - which was also open to non-students - at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday night selling out.

This was an increase in capacity of 1000 over last year's main event, Shapeshifter, making this O-Week bigger than ever, Mr Hernandez said.

''This definitely is the biggest O-Week we've ever had,'' he said.

Having access to Forsyth Barr Stadium was a major factor in the size of this year's event, he said.

''It allows us to provide international-level events that mix both students and the public together, which is very important to us.''

Having Belgian dance act Netsky Live - which is playing next month - as an exclusive gig for super pass holders had also boosted ticket sales, he said.

Tickets were still available - to both students and the public - for most events.

These included the Hypnotist night at the stadium on Monday and the comedy night featuring 7 Days regulars Urzila Carlson, Jeremy Elwood and Vaughan King - also at the stadium.

The OUSA was keen for families to attend its International Food Festival next Saturday from noon to 2pm on the museum lawn.

''It will be a great chance to taste food from around the world for reasonable prices,'' he said.

- vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz