Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival: A Cosmic Celebration in Takapau

The Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival, now in its 19th year, is set to take place in Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay, featuring a lineup that includes Kokoa Nashi, a six-piece band from Palmerston North, alongside other acts such as Sam Fowles & The Experience, Donal Gunning & The Bucks, The Rude Boyz, and Bay Batucada. The festival, inspired by the cosmic themes of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere for music lovers and campers, accommodating between 300 and 500 attendees.

The New Zealand Herald

Originally starting in Pukehou on College Rd, the Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival has evolved significantly since its inception. It transitioned from a small gathering to a three-day festival in 2013, responding to the growing number of attendees who preferred to stay longer. In recent years, the festival has moved to a new property in Takapau, where organizers have worked to create a suitable space for the event. This year, the festival achieved charitable trust status, allowing for additional funding and opportunities for youth mentorship in music and event management.

The New Zealand Herald

Danielle Burns, a key organizer of the festival, has played a significant role in its development. She relocated to the region for a month to prepare for the event, focusing on building props and enhancing the festival's thematic elements. Burns emphasizes the festival's community-oriented nature, stating that it is intentionally kept small compared to larger national festivals.

The New Zealand Herald

Burns expressed enthusiasm about the festival's lineup and its community impact, stating, “It’s a really great weekend to get away and enjoy it with some other people and hear some really great live music.” She highlighted the festival's commitment to maintaining a relaxed vibe and fostering local engagement.

The New Zealand Herald

While the festival has garnered support for its community focus and musical offerings, some may argue that its small scale limits its potential for broader recognition and growth. However, Burns maintains that the intimate nature of the festival is a deliberate choice, aligning with their vision of community involvement.

The New Zealand Herald

Tickets for the Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival will be available online until Thursday night, with additional gate sales at the event. The festival promises to be a unique experience, blending music, community, and a touch of cosmic imagination.

The New Zealand Herald

• “They are just a really great New Zealand band with a bit of reggae mix, hip-hop, really soulful, really great New Zealand Kiwi music - we are considering them our headline band.” — Danielle Burns, Festival Organizer

The New Zealand Herald

• “Most of the people were staying for three days anyway, so we figured might as well make it a three-day festival and add more bands.” — Danielle Burns, Festival Organizer

The New Zealand Herald

• “Bringing them on board to work alongside the sound engineer, or lighting engineer or work alongside me and learn about event management.” — Danielle Burns, Festival Organizer

The New Zealand Herald