Early bird tickets for the popular BOP Garden and Art Festival will be on sale next week.

The annual festival takes place this year between November 15-18.

Festival director Marc Anderson says it will involve 71 garden stops and the work of 50 artists will be displayed in some of the gardens as well as in studios on the trail.

He says the festival offers plenty to please, including the introduction of at least 15 gardens which will be new to the festival.

'Some gardeners have featured before but have moved house and therefore have new gardens to showcase, including Tauranga landscape designer Michelle McDonnell, and Gael Blaymires, formerly of Looking House Garden.

'Old favourite gardens, such as Heather Loughlin's Amberwood, will again feature, and the line-up of artists also includes plenty to get excited about.”

The festival hub will be at the Tauranga Historic Village this year.

'Over the past few years it has been based at The Lakes with various activities at other sites. This year all the action – other than the garden and art trail itself – will be held at the hub under the banner of Bloom in the Bay.”

The village features interesting and versatile event spaces – both indoor and out – that the festival will utilise, Marc says.

'Bloom in the Bay will be held over the festival dates and anyone can come and soak up the creative atmosphere. The site will be a place where everyone – including families with young children – can enjoy keynote speakers, great entertainment (including live music), tasty food and beverages, exhibitions, workshops, displays and concept gardens. All this will add to the colour, excitement, and wide-spread appeal.”

Garden and Art Trail tickets include free entry to Bloom in the Bay.

Those buying the early bird tickets will receive their festival packs in September. These will include a four-day pass, directory of gardens and artists, a map, and other relevant information.

There will be the option of picking up the packs or having them couriered (this latter option will include a small courier fee).

The discounted tickets will be available from next month, selling at $58.50 for a four- day pass, and $31 for one-day entry.

A further discount at $55 and $29.75, respectively is available for TrustPower customers, thanks to TECT being a festival funder.

As of August 1, general ticket prices will be $65 for a four-day pass, and $35 for a one-day pass. Service and credit card fees will apply for all tickets.

Tickets will be available through Ticketek, the Baycourt box office and the festival website www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz.