Rhythm & Alps celebrates another outstanding New Year’s event

Music superstars and 7,000 revellers rung in 2017 at the South Island’s biggest New Year’s party and music festival, Rhythm & Alps, last night.

Held at Robrosa Station in Wanaka’s spectacular Cardrona Valley, the sixth annual event concluded this morning after kicking off on 29th December.

The festival has again been praised as one of New Zealand’s most successful New Year’s celebrations.

Chart-topping New Zealandband and headline act Six60 led the countdown to midnight on the Alpine Arena stage, followed by co-headliners Pitch Black, who also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their very first gig.

Mike Hodgson, one half of the electronica duo Pitch Black, said they were thrilled to be part of the event, commenting “iIt was such a joy to be in the South Island playing amongst the Alps for our 20th anniversary show.

“Hearing the crowd respond to the historical noises, samples and riffs we scattered throughout the set was awesome.”

Other top drawcards included New Zealand metal band Devilskin and music megastars Pacific Heights, Opiuo, Baynk and Young Tapz, as well as popular international acts Akil the MC, Dusky, S.P.Y, Dub FX and Cut Snake.

Rhythm & Alps Festival Director Alex Turnbull says it was the event’s eclectic mix of acts, combined with world-leading audio and visual technology, that drew ideal crowd numbers to Rhythm & Alps 2016, 4,000 of whom were camping on-site.

Turnbull stated “once again there were no issues, the vibe was fantastic, all of our acts were in top form and everyone had a great night. .

“We’ve got a brilliant local team who have worked throughout the year to ensure the event runs smoothly, and this showed throughout the entire festival. Emergency services and St John Ambulance staff were also happy, the service providers were happy and most importantly, our customers are really happy.”

Turnbull says the good weather also enhanced the spirits of those at the event, adding “we had a mix of stunning Central Otago sunshine and slightly cooler conditions over the two days, which was perfect for the festival.

“But it’s the high-quality entertainment, the relaxed atmosphere and well-behaved crowds, the dedicated crew and of course the amazing location which really cement R&A’s place as one of the world’s best music events.” 

23rd December 2016 - RHYTHM & ALPS LEADS MUSIC FESTIVAL TECHNOLOGY

8th August 2016 - NEW ZEALAND TO STAGE TWO NEW MUSIC FESTIVALS

1st August 2016 - RHYTHM AND VINES FESTIVAL TEAMS WITH EVENTBRITE AS EXCLUSIVE TICKETING PROVIDER

3rd October 2013 - EVENT ENTREPRENEUR WINS TOP NEW ZEALAND TOURISM AWARD