As the Hurunui district finds itself in the grips of another drought, Foxdown Farm in the Scargill Valley will again open its gates for a farm break event to give the community a much-needed night of respite from on-farm stress.
"It's not just for farmers; it's for everyone in the rural community," Foxdown farm owner and event organiser Andy Fox says.
"It's a farm break, so it's for farmers and everyone who interacts with farmers – trucking companies, stock firms, banks, and all those people who get it in the neck when their clients are under pressure."
This will be the fourth event at the farm in a fully kitted-out shed that moonlights as a storage space to display Fox's car collection.
The last event was held in 2017 and featured entertainment from James Reid from the Feelers and The Peterson Brothers.
This year's event will be held on September 6 and run from 6.30pm until midnight.
Tickets are $10 and include all drinks, food, transport and entertainment.
Around 300 people are expected to attend Foxdown Farm Break.
Comedian Ben Hurley will provide entertainment on the night, with Richard Loe as MC.
Free buses to and from Foxdown will depart from Waiau, Hawarden, Amberley, Greta Valley and Cheviot.
Fox said breaks like this one are much needed as the sector faces the most challenging time since the 1980s.
"It's that perfect storm of a whole lot of things that contribute to a lack of profitability in sheep farming, particularly with low product prices and high interest rates in a drought."
Fox said he gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing people getting off the farm and enjoying themselves.
"In a rural community, there are lots of things that aren't good for us.
"But one of the strong aspects of living rurally is community.
"I'm just a small cog in the rural community as we make it better for ourselves."
Fox encourages people to check in on their neighbours and to invite anyone who might find the current conditions challenging to come and enjoy a night out.
"Look over your fence and if you see that someone might be struggling because things are so tough at the moment, call them and ask if they want to come along to Foxdown on the 6th.
"It's hard to see how hard things can be for people from the outside sometimes."For information on purchasing tickets, event information and transport schedules, follow the Hurunui Adverse Events Facebook page or phone Andy Fox at 027 519 9642.

By Claire Inkson