The 22nd edition of Splore will take place along the shoreline and grassy banks of Tāpapakanga Regional Park next February. The festival is regularly called the country's greatest dress-up party and is known for its eclectic music policy and advocacy of creative expression. Festival organisers have assured that, even under the current circumstances, the 2021 event will be nothing short of spectacular. The festival is working with artists to curate special collaborations and unique sets across the beachside location. Splore director John Minty has also signalled that the 2021 festival will stick to an all-local lineup, even if overseas artists are allowed into the country, and will particularly showcase the quality and breadth of female talent in Aotearoa. The first music lineup has been announced and includes comedy-music duo the Topp Twins, te reo Māori songwriter Maisey Rika, award-winning folk act Reb Fountain, indie pop composer Princess Chelsea and drum 'n' bass favourites Shapeshifter. Further performance, wellness, visual arts and music announcements are expected in coming months to fill up the three-day entertainment schedule. Stay tuned for more. SPLORE 2021 FIRST ARTIST LINEUP Shapeshifter Topp Twins Reb Fountain Deva Mahal Tali (Live) Princess Chelsea Maisey Rika Blkcity - (including Jess B) Estère Weird Together (Live) Theia Chaii Valkyrie FilthAKL Same Name Confusion Frank Booker (feat. Nathan Haines) + Friends Mazbou Q PollyHill The Solomon Cole Band Niko Ne Zna Dual Bontempo The Dastardly Bounder Misa 121 Soundsystem Amandamania Chicorelli (feat. J Dubs) Hudge Carlo Takas Misa Mr Big Stuff Lauren Gin DeepSleep Splore Festival 2021 will take place at Tāpapakanga Regional Park from February 26–28, 2021. Visit the festival website for tickets and more information. Image: Bas van Est.