COVID-19 Level 1 means Splore Festival 2021 confirmed, tickets on sale Friday

COVID-19 Level 1 means Splore Festival 2021 confirmed, tickets on sale Friday
Photo credit: Instagram/Dane Scott Creative

The organisers of Kiwi music festival Splore have confirmed next year's event will go ahead just moments after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand's move to COVID-19 alert level 1. 

The future of the three-day music and arts festival was thrown into uncertainty along with many other summer gigs when the Government restrictions on large gatherings came into place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Presale tickets for Splore, which frequently sell out, will go on sale Friday June 12. 

Next year's event, which is themed 'Positive Feelings', will run from February 26 - 28 at the Tapapakanga Regional Park in Auckland. 

Festival director John Minty said being "COVID-19 free" was a "determining factor" in order for the event to go ahead. 

"We are thrilled with the way our team of 5 million in Aotearoa has handled this global health crisis," Minty said, adding that they were able to confirm Splore's return "much faster than anticipated". 

Splore announced it will take a 'stay local' approach for the 2021 event as the deadly virus continues to affect places overseas where Splore would normally source some of its acts. 

"There are so many small businesses that make up the fabric of Splore and I am really happy to engage our loyal crew and also support all our suppliers, sponsors, performers, artists, food and craft vendors" Minty said. 

This year's Splore Festival sold out and featured acts such as Jess B, Troy Kingi, Tiki Taane, Dick Johnson, Bobby Brazuka and Ragga Twins.