Countdown kicks in for music festival

Festival fever is set to hit Christchurch when a three-day musical extravaganza is held at the town’s quay.

The stage is set for the return of the popular Christchurch Music Festival from Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23.

A host of exciting acts is lined up for the ‘ultimate summer weekend for the whole family’ as well as children’s entertainment, fun-packed workshops and delicious food and drink from local producers.

It will be the first festival since 2019, and the first organised by Kayleigh Clover, Dave Burns and Jason Giddings and their team from the town’s Thomas Tripp pub, Bodega tapas bar and Little White House marketing.

Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors – with more than 170 staff including 22 partners – is playing its part as headline sponsor.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “It is brilliant to part of the re-launched Christchurch Music Festival.

“We like to throw ourselves into all sorts of local causes, events and celebrations, especially those that bring entire communities together like this one.

“We have plenty of music lovers at Ellis Jones, so we’re all excited and looking forward to enjoying the best local artists as well as everything else the festival has to offer.”

LINE-UP: Organisers welcome Ellis Jones Solicitors as sponsors. From left are Jason Giddings from the Thomas Tripp pub, Ellis Jones partner Sean McNally, Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith and Dave Burns from the Thomas Tripp pub.

The festival will be held at The Quomps at Christchurch Quay with non-stop music and entertainment from local live music acts, DJs and dancers on two stages.

They will include BB3, Jordan Watts, The Few, Funky Little Choir, Jake Among the Willows, We Are Robot, Oassis, MLC, The Hush Club Disco, Heathen Apostles and Ratrace Ska Band amongst many more.

There will also be dance shows, kids’ yoga, circus workshops, a Princess Pavilion, a children’s and family entertainer and dance workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

A wide range of local vendors and traders will offer a variety of food and drink, with organisers encouraging them to use biodegradable packaging to support efforts to reduce the festival’s carbon footprint.

Co-organiser Dave Burns said: “The festival will be the ultimate summer weekend for the whole family.

“The venue is stunning and there is a fantastic range of incredibly talented local musicians and acts across many different genres, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy and get dancing to.”

Jason added: “We really want this to be a community event with local acts and businesses involved as well as a percentage of ticket sales going towards Helping Homeless Veterans UK, our chosen headline charity for the festival.”

Kayleigh added “We’re grateful to Ellis Jones and everyone else who has helped make it possible.”

Ellis Jones is also sponsoring Swanage and Ringwood carnivals this year.

Day and weekend tickets for the Christchurch Music Festival are on sale now via or can be purchased at an increased cost at the entrance gate.

ENDS