At the previous event in 2010, temperatures within the festival's natural amphitheatre at Rippon Vineyard soared as high as 38degC, and while tomorrow's forecast is for a more bearable 24degC, extra heat-beating measures have been taken to keep the crowds comfortable, just in case.
More water taps, "much improved" water pressure and a "mist tunnel" to cool the 4273 concert-goers will be on site this year, festival director Lynne Christie said.
Bases are covered in the unlikely event there is a downpour, too.
"We have had 300 rain ponchos in stock since 2004 and so far have sold two," Ms Christie said.
"And we've got lots of umbrellas this year."
With the new Rippon Hall now occupying part of the festival site, 700 fewer tickets have been sold and the use of the land has been "tweaked". Further landscape changes are planned later this year.
"The stage angle is slightly altered and the top paddock area is vastly changed."
Site alterations had meant many "sleepless nights", but the result was worth it.
"More people in the amphitheatre will get a splendid viewing spot and those GoldMembers [a new VIP ticket option] with access to the hall will hopefully enjoy something a bit different." The festival began in 1997, when a group of local music-lovers gained permission from Rolf and Lois Mills of Rippon Vineyard to bring bands to Wanaka for a one-off "rock concert".
Non-profit society Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated (LWSI) was created and slightly fewer than 1700 people attended the inaugural Rippon Festival on Waitangi Day, 1998.
Despite attracting big names like Chris Knox and Salmonella Dub, the event failed to cover costs, partly because a sound contractor won a court case against LWSI after the PA system hired for the festival failed to work the next day for a Dave Dobbyn concert.
Despite the difficulties, the festival was back in 1999 and made its first profit in 2000. Since then it has been a biennial event, with music, youth, education, and environmental causes benefiting from more than $60,000 donated by LWSI.
Tomorrow's line-up includes Katchafire, Sunshine Sound System, Kora, The Datsuns and hometown teenage band Colour Classic, while acoustic acts such as Anika Moa and Anna Coddington will entertain in the hall.
Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, of Wanaka police, said a team of Queenstown officers would help staff the festival. A rural drink-driving team and the Tactical Alcohol Group would also be in the area.
Rippon Music Festival
TIPS
• Do bring: Tickets, cushions/blanket, warm clothes, low seats, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, hat, photo ID (to buy alcohol), cash (eftpos available but no cash out), empty plastic bottles.
• Don't bring: Alcohol, illegal substances, weapons or invalid tickets (or you will be asked to leave), liquids of any description (even water or ice), dogs, bean bags, tents or glass. Oversized umbrellas and chilly bins risk non-entry.
• $5 bus transfers hourly from Pembroke Park from 9.30am, then back from 10.30pm; or $10 from Albert Town Tavern hourly from 9.30am, then back from 11.15pm.
• No gate sales or pass outs.
FUN FACTS
• Rippon staff: 12 primary crew, 35 itinerant workers, 157 stallholders, staff and contractors and 10 volunteers.
• Sunscreen provided: 7 litres; stationed at merchandise tent, first aid tent, top paddock and throughout the amphitheatre.
• Food stalls: 10 in total, including sushi, Indian, whitebait patties, barbecue, wraps, coffee, icecream and pies.
• Toilet facilities: 40 Portaloos and one "jumbo" urinal.
• Craziest musician rider request in 14 years: Warm, fresh goat's milk, which was duly provided - only to find out the request was a joke.
