Whangarei to host two-day festival of music, dance - Whangarei Northern Advocate - Dec 6 2006 5:56PM - localnews

The world of music and dance will descend on Whangarei next year with plans confirmed for a two-day festival in the city. The Meltdown World Music Festival, designed along similar lines to the international World of Music and Dance Festival (WOMAD), will take place at the Whangarei Museum site, Maunu, on March 24 and 25. Andy Britton, of the Whangarei Arts Promotion Trust, said the aim was to have the festival tie in with acts performing at the Byron Bay festival and WOMAD in Adelaide.

Mr Britton said there had been enormous interest in the festival since it was announced last month. Negotiations were continuing with top international and New Zealand acts to play at the inaugural Meltdown festival. Some of the cream of Northland's talent will also get a chance to play, with acts taking part in the Boil Up series, running at the Grand Hotel every Saturday, likely to be included.

Mr Britton said there would be at least six musical acts each day, with plenty of dance, arts and crafts, food and children's events in conjunction with a Heritage Park Live Day . Already confirmed are the Mamaku Project, which features former Northlander Tui Divers, and One Million Dollars, from Auckland. Tickets for the Meltdown Festival will be $70 for the two days, with under 12s free, or $40 for a day pass.

Whangarei economic development officer Jude Thompson is confident the festival will become a signature annual event for the district, attracting large numbers of visitor. It is strategically placed within the already well-established month-long Endless Summer Festival. "Interest in Meltdown has been overwhelming," said Ms Thompson.

"People are excited and energised about creating an event we can call our own." The hunt for sponsors has begun, and anyone interested in supporting the festival can contact the Arts Promotion Trust - as can musicians, dance groups, street theatre groups and volunteers keen to help make it a special event are needed. Call event manager John Morris on (09) 430-6432.