Price hike no deterrent

An increase in the entry price for the Twizel salmon and wine festival last Saturday did not seem to affect attendances, organisers say.

Scott Aronsen said it was decided to increase the entry from $5 to $10 per adult to reduce heavy reliance on sponsorship.

"It still makes it one of the cheapest wine and food festivals in the South Island."

He estimated Saturday's crowd exceeded last year's turnout of 2500 although a final count would not be available until takings were tallied.

"We ran out of chairs and tables outside, which has never happened in the past," he said.

Last year's attendance was affected by temperatures around 30degC, which prompted people to disappear to lakes and rivers rather than go to the festival.

This year the day was cooler with temperatures in the low 20s.

The festival had an emphasis on local produce and wines, especially salmon produced by the three salmon farms in the area.

This year instead of a celebrity chef, three local chefs gave demonstrations throughout the day.