The newest ‘feastival' to hit the Bay of Plenty this summer will showcase the perfect marriage of intelligently crafted beer with street eats in a relaxed summer environment.

‘Beast of a Feast' is a one-day event being held on Tuesday, January 3, in Mount Maunganui.

Brought to you by Little Big Events, the festival will be split into two sessions – 10am-3pm and 4pm-9pm – allowing guests to spend the whole day or pop down for the evening.

Festival-goers will not only have the opportunity to sample award-winning New Zealand fare and listen to a stellar line-up of music, there will be the chance to win the coveted title of ‘Beast of the Feast 2017'.

'We're inviting people to test their knowledge and taste buds in a series of food challenges featuring a pound of pickles and a bucket of ribs,” says event director Chris Duffy.

'Following international festival trends, New Zealand's top food trucks and brewers will be presenting a variety of new and exciting menu options, resulting in the perfect fusion of food and beer. When you're eating spicy, savoury or salty, there's nothing better than washing it down with a complementary brew in the sun.”

Visitors will be able to try the Swiss innovation of raclette, where cheese is melted right off the wheel and poured over a variety of food creations.

'Then they can get messy with the meaty, tasty goodness of American BBQ boasting everyone's favourite meats,” says Chris.

Everyone will receive a concise food and beverage matching guide to help navigate the day. They'll also be able to vote for their favourites to crown the ‘People's Choice' award winner.

'We have an impressive line-up of breweries, both iconic Kiwi brands and boutique craft brewhouses, who will be revealing their latest creations from ‘The Beer Affair' tent. Enthusiasts can hear the stories behind the brands, discover unique varieties and taste-test exclusive beers crafted especially for the event, including a unique brew inspired by American pancakes and maple syrup,” explains Chris.

The ‘Sunday Session' style event also boasts a wide range of musical genres including brass section bands playing ragtime to dixieland, coupled with a mix of acts known for other jazz fusions, rainbow pop and dance.

'We've secured Australia's high-energy five-piece Borneo. It's the only festival show on their New Zealand summer tour and they'll be performing brand new material. We also have internationally-recognised local act, Electric Wire Hustle, performing soulful sounds from their 2016 album ‘The 11th Sky' for the first time in the Bay.

All of the live musical acts will be the perfect accompaniment to the top food and brews on offer at what's going to be the must-attend culinary and festival experience on the summer calendar,” says Chris.

Beast of a Feast is taking place at Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui on Tuesday January 3 with tickets available for one or both sessions – 10am until 3pm and 4pm until 9pm. Tickets for the R18 event are available now from Ticketek or The Rising Tide - Brewhouse and Eatery, 107 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui. For more information about Beast of a Feast visit http://www.littlebigevents.co.nz/beast-of-a-feast/

SunLive has one double pass to the day session of Beast of a Feast for one lucky reader who can tell us where Beast of a Feast will be held in 2017.

Enter here. Entries must be received by Friday, December 30.