Through line-up cancellations and a pandemic, thousands still poured into Bay Park today for music festival, Bay Dreams.

The sold-out Mount Maunganui event has 59 acts performing across five stages throughout the day.

Somewhat thanks to the circumstances, the festival's line-up shines with homegrown talent including Sons of Zion, Katchafire and Mitch James.

Katchafire.

The Bay Dreams age range may be dominated by people in their early 20s but do not be mistaken – the main stage crowd was still completely packed for the man and knighted kiwi legend, Sir Dave Dobbyn. The audience screamed in excitement every time the next song was teased.

International acts taking to the stage include Australian electro-house duo Peking Duck, UK DJ Sub Focus and American hip hop duo EarthGang. All international acts had to quarantine in isolation facilities during the Christmas and New Year period in order to play at the festival.

Among the crowd and performers, it has been continually mentioned how lucky we are in New Zealand to be allowed out of our houses, and in a large crowd mask-free.

Moshing at the barrier.

Possibly the only indicator that we were in a 'new normal” were the trios of COVID crews who were dressed in bright yellow, armed with QR codes and sanitiser guns.

A COVID crew.

A day to gratefully enjoy live music together, seen through a cloud of vape smoke and a sea of tie dye attire.

Watch the live stream of the event here.

Groups in eye-catching outfits has become a festival staple.

Sons of Zion performing on the main stage, Field of Dreams.

Sons of Zion.

Bay Park became increasingly packed as the day went on.

Katchafire.

Lauren Gin performing on The Canopy stage.

Corduroy performing on the Alt Stage.