Looking back at another successful festival season in Geraldine
As usual, Geraldine was bustling this November with two major events - the Geraldine Summer Fete and the Geraldine Festival - drawing thousands of visitors to our small country town.
Both festivals showcase a fantastic array of artisan stalls and other attractions, which make them the perfect chance to get a head start on Christmas shopping!
Read on for a review of the 2023 festivals...and see why it's well worth making plans to attend in 2024!
Geraldine Festival 2023
The flagship Geraldine Festival took over downtown Geraldine for four days of nonstop events. These included:
- Two days of artisan market stalls that filled the main street of Geraldine (Friday) and the Geraldine Domain (Saturday)
- A stunning array of food carts in the Domain on Saturday
- Live music and entertainment
- Carnival rides
- Art exhibitions
- Garden tours
The big downtown shopping day on Friday started off with a flood of visitors who braved the windy weather and approaching rain to browse over 120 market stalls. A downpour finally drove everyone home in midafternoon, so the stalls packed up early, but it was a successful day nonetheless.
And Saturday was a real stunner, with perfect weather for the huge crowds that flooded Geraldine. Food carts and children's entertainment took over the rugby field in the Domain, while the rest of the Domain and the adjacent Hislop Street were packed with over 250 market stalls. The event was packed, with cars parked up to the outskirts of Geraldine.
A good reminder why you need to book well in advance for this excellent festival weekend!
Guests who stay at The Vicarage are perfectly situated to enjoy both main festival days without needing to worry about parking - the events are right on our doorstep.
Geraldine Fete 2023
Situated on the picturesque grounds of historic Stover Farm, the Geraldine Summer Fete is a fantastic day out.
Grey weather did not deter the thousands of visitors who made it to the venue - the 2023 fete was supposedly the largest ever. And with 200 stalls attending, hand selected from 400 applicants to ensure a top-tier shopping experience, visitors had plenty to enjoy.
While offering a chance to dress up and enjoy a day of shopping and socialising, the Geraldine Summer Fete also acts as a fundraiser for several local charities.
What our other guests have said
Amazing place. Beautifully restored old building, everything done to the highest standard. Beautiful linen, really comfortable super king bed…I could stretch sideways
Peter
Fantastic blend of heritage features and modern luxury decor This heritage building has been tastefully restored. It's full of the original heritage features of The old Vicarage, but the decor is contemporary with a heritage twist. The best word to describe this accommodation is luxury. The...
Kate, Aoraki Tourism
The Vicarage was my home when I was a teenager and it was always a special home, full of love and laughter. Newly restored it is once again a special place, elegantly furnished to a luxurious standard and yet still so full of character. The Geraldine community has been very excited to watch this...
Rachel Harper (nee Smith)