Radio New Zealand

Police will have a highly visible presence in Whangamata this weekend when the town hosts a rock and roll festival.

The three-day Beach Hop event is expected to attract 70,000 people on Saturday alone.

Last year there were 230 arrests at the festival - more than the number recorded on New Year's Eve.

An alcohol ban is in force through much of the town.

It will be enforced by police officers from the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland districts.