The summer concert schedule is starting to fill up. If you're concerned about losing out on valuable beach time, you should consider grabbing tickets to Splore; the now-annual festival is returning to the shoreline and grassy banks of Tapapakanga Regional Park for 2018. As well as allowing punters to watch acts from the comfort of their beach towel, the festival is known for its eclectic music policy and advocacy of creative expression. Leading the first artist lineup is London-based grime-pop emcee and Mercury Prize winner, Dizzee Rascal. Off the back of his sixth album, Dizzee will make an overdue return to New Zealand. Joining him in the first announcement are: Jamaica's Chronixx, who is credited with spearheading the recent reggae revival; New York subway buskers turned viral sensation Too Many Zooz in their New Zealand debut; acclaimed Detroit hip hop artist Black Milk; Japanese art punk outfit KAOS; and Danish techno DJs Courtesy and Mama Snake. Further acts appearing include: DJ MK, My Baby, Bonaparte, Marcelinho da Luna, Ria Hall, The Nudge, Manuel Bundy, Greg Churchill, Lady Flic, Aroha and Tali. A further music announcement will be made early November, followed by the performance announcement for Splore's Living Lounge. SPLORE 2018 FIRST ARTIST LINEUP Dizzee Rascal Chronixx Too Many Zooz Black Milk KAOS Courtesy Mama Snake DJ MK My Baby Bonaparte Marcelinho da Luna Ria Hall The Nudge Manuel Bundy Greg Churchill Lady Flic Aroha Tali Splore Festival 2018 will take place at Tapapakanga Regional Park from February 23-25, 2018. Visit the festival website for tickets and more information.