Overview
Filling a wide open gap for family-friendly entertainment this New Year's Eve is Auckland's newest festival Wondergarden. The inaugural event will take place at harbour-side community space Silo Park on December 31, welcoming punters of all ages. One week after revealing itself, the festival has unveiled its full all-local musical lineup.
Leading the charge is Mockasin Arabia Finn, the collaborative project of indie songwriting royalty Connan Mockasin, Lawrence Arabia and Liam Finn. The trio last came together for a sell-out performance at The Crystal Palace Theatre where they were joined onstage by Fleetwood Mac founder Mick Fleetwood, Neil Finn, Bic Runga and Kirin J Callinan. The group will close out 2016 with re-imagined versions of each other's songs, as well as a collection of their favourite party hits.
Also heading the lineup are Wellington progressive-psych band The Phoenix Foundation. The performance will be the group's first New Year's Eve show in Auckland for over a decade. Hits won't be in short supply with the band having released six albums of intelligent, inventive and danceable pop in their longstanding career.
Further acts include dream-pop four-piece Yumi Zouma performing off the back of their debut LP Yoncalla; perhaps the country's most adored singer-songwriter Anika Moa; Orchestra Of Spheres who perform a hybrid of psychedelic disco/future funk with homemade instruments; self-described electric blue witch-hop artist Estère; Auckland jangle-pop band Dictaphone Blues; ambient-electro soloist Miloux; songwriter Jesse Sheehan off the back of his debut album Drinking With The Birds, and New Zealand guitar virtuoso Paul Ubana Jones.
As well as a musical component, Wondergarden will feature roaming performers, a dedicated family zone with children's entertainment, site theming and lighting installations from Angus Muir Design, licensed bars and street food.
Visit wondergarden.co.nz for tickets and more information.