Rhythm and Alps is preparing to bring in the new year in Cardrona Valley, with the first acts for this summer’s festival announced this week. For 16 years the event has been the largest New Year’s Eve festival in the South Island and this year is looking no different. A media release from Rhythm and Alps said they are expecting more than 10,000 festival-goers in Cardrona Valley this year, one of its largest to date. “Drum and base powerhouse Dimension leads the international charge alongside MPH, and Irish dance duo Belters Only. “This year’s bill also puts New Zealand music firmly centre stage, bringing together established Aotearoa heavyweights and some of the country’s most exciting emerging names. “Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shapeshifter, Benee, Lee Mvtthews, NO CIGAR, Wax Mustang and more lead a huge homegrown contingent spanning drum & bass, electronic, indie, hip-hop and beyond,” it said. Rhythm and Alps said it was “turning up the heat with a huge 2026 line-up”, bringing together one of the most stacked collections of talent to hit the festival this summer. Alongside the line up Wānaka-based rock group Power Chutes are also set perform. The Rhythm and Alps festival will return to a two-night event. Artist announcements are still to come. Tickets are on sale now. evie.sinclair@alliedmedia.co.nz
