Families, friends, locals and out-of-towners alike joined in the festivities at Racing Tauranga for the Interislander Summer Festival on Wednesday.

Festival-goers were treated to a day in the sun with live music, delicious local food offerings, and exhilarating races.

The youngest racegoers were kept entertained with tug-of-war, sack-racing, and face painting.

'The races are a family favourite in Tauranga and it's been great to see so many Tauranga residents out enjoying themselves today, soaking up the sun and all-day entertainment,” says Racing Tauranga spokesperson Kelly Bryant.

This year's Interislander Summer Festival sees 29 races take place this season across the country from Whangarei Racing Club in sunny Northland to Otago Racing Club in the south.

See theraces.co.nz for more details about these and other major race days this summer.

Charlotte and Lily in the More FM sack race.