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What types of music festivals or events are held back home?

New Zealand hosts a number of music festivals, predominantly over the summer months. From the WOMAD Festival to Big Day Out, they range from large-scale events to smaller festivals, and cater to every taste.

Homegrown Festival
Dates: Thu 01 May 08 - Sat 31 May 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

A month long celebration of Coromandel Food and Kiwi music. The second Coromandel Homegrown Festival kicks off on 1 May with dozens of food, art and music events right around the Coromandel. Come & taste the flavours or our region - Don't miss out!

Erupt Lake Taupo Festival 2008
Dates: Thu 08 May 08 - Sun 18 May 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

Feel the earth move at Erupt - The Lake Taupo Festival. With an action packed programme inspired by the fiery elements of the central North Island volcanic plateau, Erupt is the reincarnation of the biennial Lake Taupo Arts Festival. Switching this year from a February date to the autumn hue of May, the festival will feature 11 days of world class comedy, theatre, music, cabaret, film, visual arts, literature, gourmet food and school and community events. The Big Bang, an explosive night...

Win Tickets to Chartfest
Dates: Thu 15 May 08, 9:00am - 11:00pm

NZLive.com has two tickets to Chartfest 2008 on Friday 23rd May to give away to one lucky site visitor! This day/night Christchurch music extravaganza will feature live music showcases, music clinics, workshops, stalls, prizes and giveaways. Featuring live performances by: Ladi6, Atlas, The Valves, The Bats, Dukes, Hera, Cairo Knife Fight, Flip Grater, Oakley Grenell, Mark Vaniilau, Flying Solo, The Eastern and MC Ed Muzik. Plus a set from the UCSA Battle Of The Bands winner and NZMM Chris...

Depot Music Showcase
Dates: Sun 18 May 08, 1:00am - 3:00am

Live performances from Kiwi musicians in association with New Zealand Music Month. 1pm: Bill Morrison (Folk) 2pm: Susan Davis and Judith Gust (Classical)

Chartfest 2008 - Live Christchurch Music Showcase and Expo
Dates: Fri 23 May 08, 12:30pm - 11:00pm

Red Bull, Christchurch City Council and CHART present Chartfest, a celebration of Christchurch music in NZ Music Month. In what is the largest dedicated Christchurch music event of 2008, this day night extravaganza will feature live music showcases, music clinics, workshops, stalls, prizes and giveaways. With live performances by: Ladi6, Atlas, The Valves, The Bats, Dukes, Hera, Cairo Knife Fight, Flip Grater, Oakley Grenell, Mark Vaniilau, Fllying Solo, The Eastern and MC Ed Muzik. Plus ...

Puanga: Whanganui Matariki Celebrations 2008
Dates: Sun 01 Jun 08 - Mon 30 Jun 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

Join us in the Whanganui Region to celebrate Puanga; the Whanganui Matariki Celebrations, to be held throughout June 2008. Our Puanga festival is an open invitation for the Whanganui community (and the rest of the world!) to learn and experience all aspects of traditional Māori life from astral navigation to a cutting edge fashion show, an art exhibition to a planting day, as well as Marae open-days, Kapa Haka, and musical events. Visit our website for listings of all events held during th...

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival
Dates: Fri 27 Jun 08 - Sun 06 Jul 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

The 10 Coolest Days In NZ - The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival is a 10 day celebration of Winter bringing together the entire community in a range of over 60 events staged downtown and up at Coronet Peak. The focus is definitely on fun as the festival celebrates the arrival of winter as only Queenstowners can. From birdmen on the lake and big airs on the mountain to street parades, mardi gras, family fun days and some of the best entertainment in New Zealand, this is the tim...

2008 Festival of Brass - 128th NZ Brass Band Champs
Dates: Wed 09 Jul 08, 12:00pm - 12:00pm Wed 09 Jul 08 - Sun 13 Jul 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

The 2008 Festival of Brass is being hosted in Christchurch and will be the 128th NZ Brass Band Championships. Hosting over 35 bands from Australia and New Zealand the event is the oldest music festival in NZ and has over 1200 participants performing over five days in solo, small groups and Band events in five grades. Other popular events include the Parade of Bands (Friday 11th July at 1.00pm), the Simon Hocking House of Travel Invitation Slow Melody Competition and the finale event wher...

Russell Winter Festival
Dates: Fri 11 Jul 08, 9:00am - 11:00pm Sat 12 Jul 08, 9:00am - 11:00pm

A 2-day festival of continuous events featuring birdman jump, a comedian act and readers & writers. Family entertainment with The Funky Monkeys, a children's activity area, an art & craft display, and markets will also be there. Come and enjoy the R. Tucker Thompson sailing experience and beach dig, and compete in the water races, BBQ cook-off, spaghetti eating competition and soap box derby race.

G-Taranaki Guitar Festival
Dates: Mon 14 Jul 08 - Sat 19 Jul 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

Some of the biggest names in guitar playing will be descending on New Plymouth in July for New Zealand's first international guitar festival G-TARanaki. Guitar hero Joe Satriani will head an all-star lineup in the six-day celebration of all genres of guitar playing that will include workshops, forums, concerts, and jam sessions that everyday New Zealanders can take part in. The event will also showcase other legendary axemen including Glenn Hughes - former frontman of Black Sabbath and Dee...

Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival
Dates: Wed 06 Aug 08 - Sat 09 Aug 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

Marlborough 4 Fun presents the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival 2008. The festival bings very talented school jazz band musicians together from all over the South Island – from as far away as Dunedin and Queenstown to perform and compete at venues all around the Marlborough region. The concert will showcase over 200 talented musicians. We are delighted to once again have the expertise of the New Zealand Air Force Band to take the Master class sessions and judge the competition as well ...

Whitianga Scallop Festival
Dates: Sat 30 Aug 08, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Pure indulgence! A weekend long celebration of Coromandel seafood and cuisine at the Whitianga Scallop Festival. Tickets go on sale 01 May for the festival marquee which will be located on the Marina Reserve between 10am and 5pm Saturday. Over 60 food and wine stalls, cooking demo’s, loads of competitions and great entertainment! On Friday and Saturday nights Whitianga’s restaurants and café’s will be cooking up a storm and hosting some great entertainment too. Whitianga Scallop Fe...

Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights
Dates: Sun 26 Oct 08, 1:00pm - 10:00pm

A heady mix of spicy scents and colours, the free annual Diwali mela is a not-to-be missed highlight of Wellington's events calendar. Sample tasty curries from dozens of delectable food stalls, watch non-stop authentic Indian entertainment, including joyous Bollywood dancers, and browse the colourful craft stalls. Organised by Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Wellington City Council, the Diwali Festival also features exciting visiting performers from india.

Whangamata Art, Jazz and Blues Festival
Dates: Fri 07 Nov 08, 5:00pm - 12:00pm Sat 08 Nov 08, 9:00am - 11:00pm Sun 09 Nov 08, 9:00am - 11:00pm

The Whangamata art, jazz and blues festival is a celebration of New Zealand musicians and artists in the scenic Corromandel area. Enjoy a range of live jazz and blues in a variety of venues, with 28 artists including headline Act - Renne Geyer. Plus buskers, street performers and a range of contemporary art works on display. For more information visit the website.

Pohutukawa Festival
Dates: Fri 21 Nov 08 - Sun 07 Dec 08, every day, 9:00am - 11:00pm

Summer is just around the corner! To welcome it in we have over 20 events on the Coromandel Peninsula, timed to coincide with the flowering of our beautiful Pohutukawa trees! See NZ's top bands play over two consecutive weekends in stunning Pohutukawa lined settings on the Thames Coast and Tairua, matched with great Coromandel food and wine! Then of course there are art exhibitions, cafe crawls, and of course the opening night party.

Caroline Bay Carnival
Dates: Fri 26 Dec 08 - Sun 11 Jan 09, every day, 10:00am - 5:00pm

This summer the Carnival is expected to be as big as other years with the variety of activities and entertainment. The amazing midnight New Years Eve fireworks display is a must see and a excellent night of family entertainment. Holidaymakers are treated to fairground style rides, free daily concerts, along with a variety of activities such as Inflatables, Mini Golf, Truck & Trailer Rig, Amac Bungy Trampoline, Train Rides and events and competitions along with entertainment by popular New Z...

Chinese Lantern Festival 2009 - Auckland
Dates: Fri 06 Feb 09 - Sun 08 Feb 09, every day, 5:00pm - 10:30pm

Bring all the family to Albert Park to celebrate the new Chinese Year of the Ox amidst hundreds of beautiful feature lanterns specially imported from China. Browse dozens of delicious food stalls and picnic on the grass with your very own candle-lit paper lantern. Non-stop free entertainment, including our visiting performers from China. Organised by Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Auckland City Council, the tenth Auckland Lantern Festival is a dazzling finale to the two-w...

Chinese Lantern Festival
Dates: Sat 14 Feb 09 - Sun 15 Feb 09, every day, 5:00pm - 10:30pm

Bring all the family to celebrate the Chinese new Year of the Ox at the fifth Chinese Lantern Festival in Victoria Square. Marvel at hundreds of beautiful feature lanterns specially imported from China and browse dozens of delicious food stalls. Non-stop entertainment, including our visiting performers from China. Marking the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, the Chinese Lantern Festival is organised by Asia New Zealand Foundation with HSBC as principal sponsor.

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