Rhythm and Vines has unveiled the first release of artists set to perform at the final Gisborne festival, before it moves to a new and as yet undisclosed location.
Dubbed "The Final Dance in Gisborne", the announcement follows last week's confirmation that the festival’s 24th edition would be its final celebration at Waiohika Estate.
This evening, RnV announced the 2026/27 first release lineup would be led by global electronic heavyweights including American DJ John Summit, Dutch DJ KI/KI and Belgian drum and bass producer Netsky.
Netsky last performed at R&V in 2020, making a surprise appearance as the only international artist on the festival's otherwise all-Aotearoa lineup during the Covid-19 border restrictions.
Rhythm and Vines confirms the festival's next home will remain in the North Island and include camping. (Source: 1News)
"His return for Chapter 24 brings one of the festival’s most enduring artist relationships full circle."
New Zealand music would be strongly represented by pop artist Beneem, and Sir Dave Dobbyn whose "catalogue of defining songs will create a fitting moment during the festival's final Gisborne celebration".
The first release of artists includes:
John Summit, KI/KI, Netsky, 1991, Benee, Friction presents Synergy, Hamdi, Luude, Mall Grab, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Vince Staples, A Little Sound, Andromedik, Arcando, Basslayerz, Corrella, Day We Ran, Frost Children, Layton Giordani, Łaszewo, Lens, Messie, Oskar Med K, Osmosis Jones, Rova, Sachi, Sin & Brook, Songer, Twofaced, Beccie B, Chris Keene, FMS, Frankie Venter, Harry Hayes, Jackie Hollander, Kara, Son & Water, Sless, Witters & MC Crafty, Bari, Chole, Damage Control, Lamchopz, Pixie Lane, Zozo, Jamil Forever Tribute by Brazilbeat & Parallel Layers and Te Wehi & Hori Shaw "The Final Sunset".
A spokesperson said "drum and bass remains firmly at the heart of Rhythm and Vines, with Netsky, Friction presents Synergy and Luude joined by 1991, A Little Sound, Andromedik, Arcando, Lens, Witters & MC Crafty and Rova".
"The wider electronic programme includes Mall Grab, Sachi, Jackie Hollander and more, while Songer, Corrella, Frost Children and Oskar Med K add further depth across hip-hop, pop and live music."
The release also celebrated talent from closer to home, including Gisborne DJ and producer Messie, alongside a new generation of emerging Aotearoa artists. The programme will also feature Jamil Forever Tribute by Brazilbeat & Parallel Layers, a tribute to much loved DJ Jamil Sabda.
"With more artists still to be announced, Chapter 24 is shaping up as a final celebration fitting of Rhythm and Vines’ long history at Waiohika Estate - giving Gisborne the send-off it deserves as New Zealand welcomes 2027."
First held in 2003, Rhythm and Vines has been a defining part of New Zealand's summer festival calendar and a rite of passage for generations of Kiwis.
This year would be the festival's 24th and final edition at Waiohika Estate, an area that attracting hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers over 24 years and hosting international acts including Public Enemy, Mark Ronson, Chance the Rapper, Disclosure and Kid Cudi.
Tickets go onsale to the general public on August 5 at 12pm.
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