Good vibes at Cooks Gardens
The vibe. festival returns to Cooks Gardens on December 15 this year. Headlining the show is talented hip hop musician Kings, who works out of his marae in Auckland and last year ruled the top spot on the music charts for weeks with his catchy single Don’t Worry Bout It. Other acts include nomad (an original indie pop sound with barbershop vocals) and the rich, soulful voice of Whenua Patuwai.
Whanganui District Council’s Youth Committee, which organises the vibe. festival, is serious about creating opportunities for Whanganui youth. This is the second vibe. festival they have run.
“As well as organising a great event for youth to attend, part of our mission is to provide a platform for young local talent, giving them an opportunity to perform alongside established musicians,” says the Youth Committee’s organising chair Josie Verhaaren.
Local band Late Night Tales will showcase their acoustic jazz hip hop sound and Ra Costelloe, who was recently chosen out of a large field of contenders to open for Tiki Taane, will be back to entertain his home crowd. Whanganui High School band The Remnant, winners of the Te Reo award at the national Smokefreerockquest final, are bringing their smooth, sophisticated sound to the event, along with a line-up of other exciting college bands. There will also be performances from two times national dance crew champions Aotea Empire, from Whanganui City College, and Cullinane College’s kapa haka group.
From 3pm to 11pm Cooks Gardens will come alive with performances, activities, stalls and food trucks. There will be plenty of sweet and savoury food options available, and people are welcome to bring along snacks, water and picnic blankets. Please be aware that this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event.
The event is more than just a music festival. As with last year, the focus is on addressing the stigma around mental health issues.
“This is an issue that greatly affects youth in our community, touching all of our lives in one way or another,” says Josie.
The Youth Committee is made up of a diverse range of young people, aged from 12 to 24, and their brief is to improve health and wellbeing for youth in the community.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Youth Committee, who’ve been working hard all year to organise this positive event for the community,” says Josie.
The festival will include information stalls and resources and this year the Youth Committee has invited Chlo¨ e Swarbrick MP to speak on mental health. The vibe. festival is a non-profit event, donating a portion of ticket sales to Youthline.
■ The cost is $15 for single tickets and $35 for a family pass. Entry for children under five is free. Phone 0800 BUY TIX (289 849) or visit www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/vibe/ whanganui