Luminate will be held again this summer from 1-8 February at Canaan Downs.
The earth-friendly festival of music, dance, art and culture has a focus on environmental sustainability, intentional community, knowledge sharing, creativity and inspiration, and is set in a mountain location surrounded by native bush.
The vision for Luminate is for people to gather together from far and wide, sharing knowledge, healing, contemporary and traditional arts and culture, celebration and connection; all of which strengthens community networks and empowers people to improve their quality of life. Luminate falls midway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.
The festival draws a stunning line-up of national and international acts, covering a wide variety of genres, and this year includes The Barons of Tang, Wild Marmalade, and Oka (Australia); Newtown Rocksteady, Pacific Curls, Nigel Gavin and Richard Adams, Amiria Grenell and Samba del Sol (NZ); and many more.
Electronic producers include OTT (UK), Emok (Iboga, Denmark), James Munro (UK), Hedflux (UK), Merkaba; and Grouch, Tom Cosm and Isaac Chambers (all from NZ). Jamie Janover (USA) also returns to host several presentations on quantum science. Many more acts are to be announced soon.
Other features again include a programme of workshops, including permaculture, music production, yoga, dance and movement, African drumming, Mayan calendar, harakeke, reflexology, sacred geometry, creative arts and more.
Professional artists will host circus skills activities for kids and adults, and spectacular fire performances at night. The alternative Healing Hub offers a range of holistic therapies and the market will provide organic and locally sourced food, refreshments, arts and crafts. There will also be heaps of kids’ activities, movies and documentaries, spacious camping, eco showers and amenities.
For the more adventurous there are several mountain-bike tracks on neighbouring Department of Conservation land, some of the best in New Zealand.
Early Bird Summer Special tickets ($155) are available until December 21, after which the Standard pre-sales price applies ($185). Youth tickets (14-17 years) are $85. Kids 13 and under, and seniors over 75 gain free admission. Entry to workshops and camping fees are included in the ticket price.
Day one (Wednesday 1 Feb) is a settling-in day only. Markets open and the scheduled workshops start Thursday 2 February from 10am, and music zones start after the opening ceremony at sunset.
Info: www.luminatefestival.co.nz and www.facebook.com/LuminateFestival
