Organisers of the Mercury Music Festival are on the hunt for volunteers who can help out at the event on Queen's Birthday long weekend.

Whitianga will be transformed into a ‘Village Of Music' with two days of world class music covering a range of genres from blues, reggae, rock and indie to funk, gospel and jazz, on June 3-4.

A festival spokesperson says they are looking for volunteers who can give a minimum of a four hour shift, 'and if you can work two shifts even better'.

'There is literally music for every taste, so come be a part of fantastic weekend as a volunteer.

'Those volunteers working two or more shifts will get a free weekend pass. Those working one, four hour shift will get a one day pass.”

The types of volunteers required include festival headquarters helpers, bar staff and runners, front of house managers and FOH staff, stage managers, green room staff/musician handlers, security, venue set up and clean up teams, and venue decorations and creative display geniuses

'By volunteering you can be part of an Iconic Kiwi music event, meet new people, develop new networks, rub shoulders and pick up tips from accomplished musical talent.

'Volunteering offers all these opportunities plus more.”

For more information and details email Mercury Music Festival volunteer coordinator Stella Pennell at [email protected] or to volunteer your services, visit www.mercurybaymusicfestival.co.nz

THE MERCURY MUSIC FESTIVAL

The 2017 Mercury Music Festival is the second of what will be an annual celebration of jazz, blues, folk, world and acoustic music performed by top artists from New Zealand and across the globe over two days in Mercury Bay.

All performances over the weekend take place in centrally located venues within walking distance of each other, meaning festival goers can enjoy Whitianga's cafes, restaurants, activities and fabulous accommodation – with world class entertainment the cherry on the top.

All tickets are general admission and provide open access to all Festival events through the weekend, with main concert events to be held at the Whitianga Town Hall and the Whitianga Hotel. There'll also be a ton of free events happening in and around the township.

The festival also offers a series of workshops throughout the weekend presented by world class musicians and artists who'll cover a range of skills, like stagecraft, vocal skills, bass guitar, drumming styles and ukulele just to name a few.

The force behind the festival is charitable trust Creative Mercury Bay with support from the Thames Coromandel District Council.

The 2017 Mercury Music Festival takes place in Whitianga on Queen's Birthday Weekend, June 3-4. For more info, including the full line-up and ticketing, visit www.mercurybaymusicfestival.co.nz