One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country.

The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled.

Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names.

"There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure." 

LISTEN ABOVE

One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country.
The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled.
Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names.
"There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Alex Turnbull: Rhythm and Alps founder and director on the cancellation of Bay Dreams 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b355e535-c1e8-42ca-8421-b2090046d00d/transcript

Advertisement