Acts have been announced for the two-day Kingston Calling festival at the Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui on February 19 and 20 next year.
Top billing international artists include Hawaiian country reggae artist Maoli, Virginia reggae band Soja, Hawaiian reggae group Rebel Souljahz and Atlanta hip hop artists Arrested Development. They will join will join local acts Six60, Stan Walker and Fat Freddy's Drop.
Six60 lead singer and guitarist Matiu Walters said the festival would be a great fit for the band.
"It has been a while since we have been in the Mount, so Kingston Calling will be a special one for us. There is an amazing wairua in the Oval, with the view of Mauao and a sea of fans there to sing, dance and party as one, it’s going to be one to remember for sure.”
In all, 14 artists were signed up for the schedule:
Friday, February 19: Maoli, Stan Walker, SOJA, Arrested Development, Katchafire, Hori Shaw and A.R.T.
Saturday, February 20: Six60, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Rebel Souljahz, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Marley NZ All Stars and Myshaan.
Kingston Calling has support from the Government's one-off Events Attraction Package.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the festival was expected to attract visitors to Tauranga from all over the country, providing a boost for local hospitality, accommodation and tourism businesses.
“Kingston Calling is the kind of event that showcases the best of our summer events calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate music and culture, and experience everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer during the summer season,” Upston said.
Fabrik founder and festival director Toby Burrows said the festival took its name and spirit from an old way of gathering.
“In times of old, people gathered around a call. Kingston Calling is built on that same idea, a call that has now been answered,” he said
Presale opens on September 9, with general tickets on sale from September 10. Full lineup and ticketing information is available at the Kingston Calling website.
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