The Rotorua Hot Fest starts in September, with seven days of events running from Saturday, September 26 to Friday, October 2.

Paul Weston, Rotorua Hot Fest chief executive, said the event, which was held for the first time last year, would be a fun-filled event for the family.

"It's going to be an absolutely fantastic event. It's a week of fun and festivities for the family. It will be like a spring holiday and it's going to be bigger and better than before."

Hot Highlights for 2009 include the Opening and Closing Gala Entertainment Nights, the Hot Non-stop Film Festival, a Hot Shot photo competition, the Hot Rod and Bike Show, the Hot Zorb Run and a Hot Pizza Eating Competition.

Mr Weston said more than half the events would be free and he was expecting large crowds at all of them. The goal was to create an event unique to New Zealand that would generate international interest, contribute to the economic growth of Rotorua and promote Rotorua's unique geothermal and tourist attractions, Mr Weston said.

"From breakfast brunches to wine tastings and fire dancing - it's something everyone should come and join in on the fun."

Mr Weston said Rotorua had previously missed out on promoting itself through unique locally-flavoured festivals and he hoped Hot Fest could rival Queenstown's Winter Festival in years to come. He said a Hot Fest discount wrist band would give participants special savings at all the 2009 events. The bands cost $5, with $1 going to the local SPCA. For more information on the event, visit www.hotfest.co.nz.