More than 600 people soaked up the sun at Arrowtown’s eighth annual Long Lunch yesterday.
The association has contracted Christchurch-based Multi Events Ltd to run the event. Co-ordinator Vanessa de Silva said tickets sold out within hours on October 1. Some of the restaurants sold out in six minutes.
They sat at tables stretching along Buckingham St, enjoying food from 14 of the township’s restaurants.
The event has been taken over by the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association after long-time organiser Malcolm Blakey pulled out, citing excessive red tape and a lack of support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Photos: Guy Williams
Although it had hit capacity of 600 diners, the possibility of increasing that number next year by extending the tables across Wiltshire St would be seriously considered, Ms de Silva said.
Predator Free Arrowtown and the Arrowtown Charitable Trust are the event’s fundraising beneficiaries this year.
Enjoying the lunch are (from left) Karen Mair and Frank and Trish Anderson, all of Arrowtown.
