Mark Russell of L.A.B. which headlines the Whangamata Joe's Farm New Year's gig following Shapeshifter on December 30. Photo / Supplied
Mark Russell of L.A.B. which headlines the Whangamata Joe's Farm New Year's gig following Shapeshifter on December 30. Photo / Supplied
Kiwi favourites L.A.B will count Whangamata into 2021 as new local promoters put on a follow-up to last year's hugely successful New Year Concert at Joe's Farm north of Whangamata.
An expected $3.5 million injection into the Whangamata economy is being touted by organisers, who had to await the green light from the Government for the festival to go ahead.
They will bring two nights of performances headlined by Shapeshifter on Wednesday, December 30, and L.A.B Thursday, December 31.
Tickets for this R18 event, where secure named tickets will be mandatory to allow contact tracing, go on sale at 9am on Thursday, July 9.
The Other Side is the Coromandel's new festival (theotherside.nz).
Event organiser and promoter Clayton Spence is drawing on locals to work at the gig which aims to bring in up to 20,000 concert-goers but expects around 15,000 this year.
Last year's Shapeshifter-headlined New Year's concert drew some 8000 without problems despite potential concerns raised by the Whangamata Community Board and Police as the party-goers were due to flock into town following the gig.
Clayton, who owns property in Opoutere, says he expects his event to be even slicker than last year with measures such as upgraded camping and staggered shuttle buses to town to ensure people don't arrive in Whangamata en masse.
"There's 10,000 capacity at the campground and we're pulling everyone out of town for the party and dropping them back to go home, dispersed," he says.
"It's a much better option than having it right in town. I personally don't think Williamson Park is the right place for a festival. It's for families and kids, and we don't want this party in Whangamata," he says of the debate and subsequent Environment Court hearings over Williamson Park as a venue.
The event is hosted at Joe's Farm, the farm of Opoutere rural fire chief Jo Adams who is promising a "Shangri-la experience" for campers including a shuttle to town for supplies.
Hygiene will form part of the farm protocols and lots of additional handwashing facilities will be available.
The farm has a swimming hole but this will be closed off to campers so they continue to travel to town during the daytime to support the local economy, Clayton says.
This year the campground village will be expanded with hot showers and additional facilities. The campground will have its own stage in the village green area with performances programmed.
"Last year the campground proved overwhelmingly popular which resulted in a sell-out of camping tickets. This year the capacity will be doubled but we anticipate high demand again.
"Jo is working furiously to ensure a Shangri-la experience which will include a Saturday and Sunday shuttle bus service so any camper can head to town for the beach or supplies.
"We are here to make sure everyone has a great time on the farm, with the plan of it becoming a long-standing NYE event in Whangamata. We can't wait to bring it to you and grow it year on year," he says.
Greeting in the 2020 new year at the Joe's Farm gig featuring Shapeshifter. Photo / Alison Smith
Named tickets will ensure the verification of age and enable a protocol to support contact tracing.
"It's time to celebrate the Other Side of a very challenging year for all New Zealanders. You are all invited to the magical Coromandel where you'll be able to lose yourself in the freedom of music, friends, nature and good times.
"This festival is all about people going to the other side for a few days and immersing themselves in good quality music, food, arts, sound, beverages and like-minded people."
