Chart topper to head Timaru festival

Acclaimed singer and songwriter Mitch James will headline a six-hour music festival, The Bandquet, at Caroline Bay next March.

James is best known for songs Bright Blue Skies, Sunday Morning, No Fixed Abode, Move On and 21 which have all featured in the official New Zealand Music Charts.

The Bandquet, formerly known as The Feastival, has changed its name as it was too close to that of another event. The musical festival will be held in Timaru on March 13, 2020.

Event director Simon Carter saidyesterday, he was delighted to announce James had been signed to perform.

‘‘Mitch is one of New Zealand’s biggest stars. His music’s attracted more than 120-million streams so far and he’s one of New Zealand’s biggest YouTube successes,’’ Carter said.

‘‘We’re very lucky to have him able to play at The Bandquet. I suspect that, if the rest of the world were not in a pandemic, we’d find he was tied up performing overseas.’’

James will play alongside multiplatinum, multi-award winning artist

Jason Kerrison (of Opshop fame), New Zealand-based DJ/Production duo Sweet Mix Kids and country pop artist Kaylee Bell whose single Keith topped the official New Zealand Music Chart.

Seven-piece funk band The In Crowd and Christchurch standout band City Limits will also play.

Carter said tickets are already selling well.

‘‘We’ve worked hard to ensure this will be six hours of sweet New Zealand music.’’

For more information and to purchase tickets visit thebandquet.co.nz