It all started in 1962 with a bunch of young men seeing the movie 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' about the Newport Jazz Festival at the old Regent Theatre in downtown Tauranga. Dave Hall said to his mates, "we can do that here"! They took out a 50 Pound overdraft from the local bank and started the Jazz Festival. In 1963 the inaugural Festival was held at the Soundshell in Memorial Park attracting around 300 people. Today, 50 years and countless 'war stories' later, more than 60,000 people descend on Tauranga over Easter.

Discover the stories behind one of the oldest Jazz Festivals in the world, listen to recordings of the last 49 years, see the first video footage of concerts in the 80s, view the vinyl records from 1963-1987 and so much more.

Come on down and experience 50 years of National Jazz Festival in this fun, hands-on anniversary exhibition.