The NZ Garden & Art Festival is five weeks away, but some events are already sold out – so if you're planning to buy tickets, don't put it off.

Festival director John Beech says the Long Lunch with entertainment by media personalities Jim Mora and Mary Lambie has already sold out.

The NZ Garden & Art Festival director John Beech is encouraging festival-goers to get tickets to events now, with some already being sold-out.

The Maketu Masterchefs are proving popular with their session nearly at ‘full house' and artist Karl Maughan's session in the Speaker and Workshop Series is another with hardly a seat to sell.

'Positive ticket sales prove we have presented the right mix of festival entertainment,” says John.

'We have a fantastic programme in the Speaker and Workshop Series and there are still tickets available for many sessions, which cover a huge variety of topics from specialists in their fields, be it gardening, art, cooking or the environment.”

The festival Speaker and Workshop Series will be held in the Speaker Marquee at the festival hub, The Lakes Expo Pavilion, from Friday to Sunday, November 21-23.

Most sessions are a very reasonable $12, plus booking fee.

John says those attending the sessions will also be able to take in the myriad of installations and exhibitions and specialist gardens on display at the Expo, where entry is free.

'The breakfast event with Ellerslie Gold Medal Designer Ben Hoyle would be a great way to start the Saturday of the festival,” says John.

'Ben is a multiple award-winner, both in New Zealand and overseas, and won Supreme Peace Award at the Gardening World Cup in Japan.”

Ben's session on creating great garden is just $25 ticket and includes breakfast.