Salmonella Dub return to Hokitika for first time in 12 years to headline Wildfoods Festival

Legendary Kiwi reggae group Salmonella Dub

West Coast-born New Zealand reggae-roots band Salmonella Dub has been named as the headline act for the Wildfoods Festival and the "afterparty", on March 11.

Festival co-ordinator Ashley Cassin said the group had commanded concert halls and stadiums "across the world" for the past 25 years, with its blend of dub, rock, jazzy horns, drum and bass, electronica and reggae.

The full band will take to the stage in the afternoon, and its Sound System set will play afterwards.

Founding member Andrew Penman posted to fans on Facebook announcing the gig on Thursday.

Penman, born and bred in Greymouth, who says he was "conceived" in Ikamatua, said they last played in Hokitika 12 years ago alongside Cornerstone Roots and they were excited to returning to the Coast, where it all began, and "rocking" Wildfoods.

Salmonella Dub played its first live performance at the Westport Racecourse in 1993.
Meanwhile, emergency DJ Clint Roberts and Christchurch band Smashbox have also been confirmed for the R18 Saturday night concert, also at Cass Square.

"It is great to be able to secure another seriously well known, high end New Zealand act to headline our festival," Mr Cassin said.

"Making these announcements is a real highlight of the job and I look forward to dropping a few more acts for our other events associated with the festival, and it is just in time to make the most of the early-bird ticketing prices for those waiting to see who we would reveal as our headliner."

- Greymouth Star