The Splore music festival has been described as the country’s biggest dress up party in the world’s most beautiful festival setting – so what’s in store for festival-goers on the eve of its 20th anniversary.
Summer and festivals are a perfect match: the music, the weather, the food and it's a wonderful time for whanau to come together and hang out.
Enter stage right Jo Shanks, Rumpus Room manager at Splore Festival.
For almost 15 years Jo and family have been involved in Splore (it's no coincidence that her son is named Caleis Splore Hall) and there's good reason for the ongoing commitment.
"Splore is every kid's favourite festival," says Jo. "We have a ton of creative facilitators, each year we add new activities and everyone has a blast."
"This year we have Flip n Fly Circus School teaching all sorts of tricks for the high flyers; Mandy and team from Creative Matters sharing how to make masks out of nikau palms and Wiremu Sarich from Taonga Tākaro involving the kids in traditional games - and that's just the start."
At Splore, the emphasis is on ensuring that everyone can make the most of the weekend in a fun, safe environment. Tapapakanga Park offers safe swimming and the main stage can be seen from the beach - perfect for parents who are trying catch their favourite band while still keeping their eyes on the water.
"We have about 700 kids on-site every year and they have a lot of freedom to roam," says Jo, "From the stages to the beach, to partying with the wonderful facilitators at the Rumpus Room, there is no shortage of fun things to do both for parents and their kids.
"There's also kids and parents yoga in the Wellness Central, Kindy Rock (yes, there is such a thing) for toddlers to bang out a tune or two, and this year the children will mount a show of their own on Sunday morning, showing off all the skills they learnt during the festival!"
Bayaraa and Baya, co-founders of Flip n Fly Circus School, can't wait to introduce circus to a young generation of festival-goers.
"Circus is such a fun way for both children and adults alike to challenge themselves both physically and mentally to learn a new creative skill," says Bayaraa. "This is a creative alternative to mainstream sporting options and we are excited to see what the kids will do with the new tricks they learn on the aerial silks."
Bayaraa and Baya, who grew up in the Mongolian Circus School, are experts in their field and along with their other trainers, offer a range of specialist skills including gymnastics, dance, acting, and of course, circus.
"At Flip n Fly we are all about making circus accessible to all ages, cultures and physical abilities and we really value the way that circus blends both creative expression and physical technique," says Bayaraa. "That's why Splore is the perfect platform for us to introduce circus to some of the next generation of upcoming creatives."
But aerial acrobatics isn't the only activity that will get the kids buzzing. Mandy Jakich and her husband are big fans of the festival and have fond memories of heading along with their two kids, Brodie and Tayla, both of whom continue to attend as adults.
In her workshops Mandy uses fallen nikau husks from the Muriwai bush to make large painted masks. "I love the idea that kids can work collaboratively on the masks, add to what's already been created, think creatively about design, and paint their little hearts out," she says.
"The masks will be kept in The Rumpus Room for everyone to enjoy and some lucky kids might be able to take one home at the end of the weekend if they come and see us on Sunday afternoon."
For those who want to step back and focus on their inner fashionista, Rachel Thorn and her team help junior Sploreites make wacky badges and bling out their outfits.
"Splore is a festival that fosters your inner creative child," says Jo.
Splore Kids encompasses a wide range of activities for younger festival-goers.
"The kids get it, and as adults we can only step back and appreciate the magic. This is a festival that brings people together, brings families together - and essentially our children grow up together."
