An event celebrating the work volunteers have done since the Rena oil spill went ahead despite rain threatening to put a damper on people's spirits.

Around 50 volunteers turned up the event at Main Mount Beach on Sunday.

Tourism Bay of Plenty staff hand out t-shirts at the event on Sunday.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council volunteer co-ordinator Pim de Monchy says around 24,000 hours was put in by volunteers to clean up the region's beaches.

He says they Bay of Plenty is not like other parts of the country.

'The beach is a huge part of our lifestyle, from the tuatua gathered to the runners and walkers who go along the beach.

'It's a part of our lifestyle and I think that's one reason why we had such a high level of community engagement.”

Marquees sheltered the volunteers from the rain as live music played.

Mayor Stuart Crosby greeted the crowd and described the 'tremendous job” they have done.

Rena volunteer Indy Browne with Rena recovery manager Catherine Taylor on Mt Maunganui beach.

Hine Otene -Papamoa beach, iwi response team.

Amy Brown & Ben Courtney of Tauranga Volunteers.

Dayne & Eva with 3 yrs old Mia Maxwell.