Lake Hawea's new country music festival will fill a void left by The Branding, but organisers say it will have its own identity.
New Year's Eve concert Top Paddock, which will take place outdoors at the Lake Hawea Hotel, was announced two weeks ago.
Over the weekend, organisers released its line-up, adding Australia's Judah Kelly and Lake Tekapo's Brad Staley to already announced acts Jody Direen, Assembly Required and Kaylee Bell.
Concert co-promoter and Lake Hawea Hotel owner Ants Alderson said while the music would be similar, it would not be The Branding. "We'll be doing a few things differently.''
A new resource consent meant it could have a capacity of 2500, he said. Last year's Branding attracted about 2000 people.
It would also have a VIP section, he said.
"We'll have some of New Zealand's best known country and country rock musicians.''
More acts would be announced, he said.
Two weeks ago, The Branding director Sarah Perriam said it was cancelled this year due to challenges with the New Year's Eve date and a personal business restructuring.
It was held at the Lake Hawea Hotel for its first two years, but was last year held near Luggate.
"I'm glad that country music is coming back to Hawea,'' Mr Alderson said.
He was in discussions about the festival before The Branding fell through, but the news presented a "good opportunity''.
Organisers hoped to hold Top Paddock again next year, he said.
There would be no camping on site, but organisers would work with the Lake Hawea Holiday Park to provide spaces.
Tickets go on sale August 25.
Top Paddock will be the core event of the Lake Hawea Festival, which also includes a Rhythm & Alps warm-up night, and the Wanaka Rodeo After Party.
