Two pedestrians have died after being hit by a vehicle on their way to the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne overnight.

The pair were hit by a vehicle on Back Ormond Rd, north of Gisborne, at 9.15pm on Saturday, police said.

It is understood the pair were heading to the popular festival when they were hit.

One person died at the scene and another died later in hospital.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz says it was unclear if the pair were working at the festival or attendees.

'It is just absolutely sad ... we are sending out thoughts to the whānau involved.”

The road was rural with no footpath, says Mayor Stoltz.

Gisborne District Council earlier notified of road closures for the event.

Glenlg, Kawatiri, and Harper roads were closed to all traffic except residents from 5pm on December 29 to 5pm on New Year's Day.

However, Back Ormond Rd only had to close, from King Rd to State Highway 2, from 7am to 1pm on New Year's Day. This was to allow the safe departure of festival-goers.

The New Year's festival went into the weekend on a controversial note with the inclusion of Dizzee Rascal, who was recently given a 12-month restraining order for assaulting his ex-partner, as the headline act.

Sponsor Vodafone said it would be removing all its branding from the stage during his performance and a performer said artists were not informed of Dizzee's attendance in advance.

Tom Hunt/Stuff