Hundreds of people are expected to descend on the Ruapeka tomorrow as musicians take to the stage to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.

The Aronui Maori Market is happening at Ohinemutu on Sunday and features Harmonic Resonators, Daniel & Ashley, and Rotorua's own Native Nations.

During the day, which runs from 12pm to 4pm, there will also be performances by Ngati Whakaue kapa haka, national secondary schools' kapa haka champions Raukura, and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology music students.

It is the first time a live concert and indigenous arts market has taken place on the Ruapeka, and festival director, Cian Elyse White, says locals will not want to miss out on the historic occasion.

'We're thrilled to be able to host such an amazing event on an area so enriched in culture. The stunning backdrop of Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe and Mokoia Island really sets the scene for a captivating and inviting atmosphere,” says Cian.

'Securing such awesome acts for our first ever event has been a real coup for us, while our stallholders who'll tempt the crowds with a range of indigenous arts, crafts, clothing, kai and information will add to the charm of our fun, whanau-friendly festival.”

Harmonic Resonators are playing hot on the heels of a sold-out Tauranga show, and lead singer, Jeremy Hantler, encourages people to come down and listen to some wicked tunes.

'The last time we came to Rotorua it was wicked. Heaps of people came out so we're super excited to play at a family-friendly event in the weekend,” says Jeremy.

'It's cool to play somewhere where people can come without having to buy tickets and sing along and do the actions. We're going to play all our bangers and heaps of te reo Maori songs.”

As part of the festival, Toi Ohomai is hosting a korero section at Tunohopu Marae, opposite the Ruapeka, which will include speakers and picture screenings.

Toi Ohomai tutor, Rangitiaria Tibble, says they are proud to support the event.

'This event offers us an opportunity to engage with iwi, rangatahi and hapori to provide our students with experience and exposure in their chosen field of study, as well as contributing to vibrant bilingual environments as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.

'We're excited to bring a range of kaikorero together to compliment the puoro, toi and pakihi Maori, kai and whakawhanaungatanga aspects of the day. We strongly support the flourishing of te reo and the arts in Rotorua and our wider rohe.”

Te Komiro o te Utuhina is inviting people to join in the planting of native trees along the Ruapeka from 10.30am, before the market kicks-off at midday.

Tunohopu Street will be closed from 10am to 5pm and marketgoers are encouraged to park at the Rotorua Lakefront.

The Aronui Maori Market is happening at Ohinemutu on Sunday September 15 September from 12pm to 4pm.