Making music festival history

Pictures by Radlab

This year Tairāwhiti Gisborne showcased exactly why it is the home of Rhythm and Vines. Warm weather and mostly sunny skies graced the region over the three-day festival period allowing festival-goers to claim their spot and be part of Aotearoa music festival history.

Not only did revellers unlock an unbeatable welcome to 2024, they were also celebrating Rhythm and Vines’ 21st birthday with the biggest crowd in R&V history.

More than 24,000 people discovered their favourite artist, met life long friends, and had the best three days of their lives with stellar performances from international artists such as Central Cee, Dom Dolla, and Wilkinson alongside Kiwi talents Gin Wigmore, Georgia Lines, Bbyfacekilla, Park Rd and more.

Despite some showers and heavy volumes of foot traffic, Waiohika Estate retained its vineyard beauty and provided stunning views perfect to post on the socials. The weather also allowed festival-goers to get out into the Gisborne CBD, support local businesses and experience the beauty of the region.

Local business owners and authorities were pleased with this year’s festival, with Tairāwhiti Police thanking the “sheer majority of people who partied responsibly and made the weekend so enjoyable”.

For the next few days, Rhythm and Vines now turns its attention towards taking care of our home in Tairāwhiti with pack-up and clean-up already under way. While stages, marquees, and other areas get dismantled within Waiohika Estate, teams will be sent out to surrounding areas to clear all rubbish to leave the whenua in the best condition possible. More than 2500 BOOKATENT pre set up tents were well utilised this year saving thousands of tents from being thrown in landfill.

This year, fundraising efforts have helped raise over $25,000 and counting for the Gisborne Flood Relief Mayoral Fund.