Splore, the beach-side summer festival known for its eclectic music policy and creative folly announces the much anticipated annual festival theme and first music line-up.

Splore’s first line up of music artists for the 2017 festival includes the exciting new talent - Sampa the Great who will make her New Zealand debut at Splore with her full live band. The Australian singer is receiving much acclaim for her innovative hip hop and spoken word delivery backed by clever production.

One the UK’s most popular festival bands, The Dub Pistols, will make a return to New Zealand following their blistering set at Splore 2016. The reggae ska band is fronted by the energetic and self-proclaimed crazy person, Barry Ashworth.

Also returning are jungle music’s true pioneers, The Ragga Twins. Australian electro pop duo GL will also make their New Zealand debut at Splore.

Exciting overseas DJ’s confirmed are Stones Throw’s Egyptian Lover who brought the house down at the recent 20th anniversary Stones Throw party. The old school LA producer/vocalist brings his in-your- face charisma which gets some of the best call and response reactions around. Joining him on the bill will be influential Detroit producer Tall Black Guy and one of NYC’s finest, Nickodemus.

Live local acts include the triumphant return of Pitch Black who will be touring their new album, Filtered Sensors, and unleashing some very special visuals for their Splore performance.

The lush soundscapes of Carnivorous Plant Society will emanate from Splore’s Main Stage along with the high energy Weird Together full live show plus the Latin grooves from the new 4 - piece Latinaotearoa (complete with dancers) and exciting new band Yoko-Zuna.

Up and coming vocalist and producer, Villette, has been confirmed as has local DJ’s Frank Booker, Aroha, Greg Churchill, Dylan C, Dubhead and Selecta Sam.

Further artists will be announced in October.

John Minty, Splore Festival Director says one of the most commonly asked questions he hears is ‘What is the festival theme’?

“Splore’s creative element comes to life with the interpretation of the annual theme with the festival-goers participating and becoming part of the visual aesthetic. Saturday night at Splore is New Zealand’s biggest costume party where dressing up allows people to take on their alter ego and become uninhibited, making for much conviviality whilst watching world class entertainment.” 

The theme for Splore 2017 is Strangely Familiar at the Splore Family Reunion. 'Family Reunion' because Splore kindred spirits have a ‘commonessence’ flowing through their diverse identities in a multi-coloured sea of fabulous costumes. The family that frolics together, stays together!

As a community we’re all 'Strangely Familiar’, but are you the prodigal son or the wayward daughter? The family freak or the black sheep?

It’s an open brief on how the audience want to interpret being ‘Strangely Familiar’ at the Splore Family Reunion.

Minty says the findings from research undertaken every year often reveals it’s the smaller things that stand out as highlights for the audience.

“The food always features in the research as being a highlight and of course the location is a great draw card – you just can’t beat the Splore location, it’s one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world.”

Splore 2017

17-19 February: Tapapakanga Park, Deerys Road, Orere Point

Entertainment kicks off at 12pm Friday 17 February, entertainment finishes 5pm Sunday 19 

Tickets via iTicket

SAMPA THE GREAT, DUB PISTOLS, PITCH BLACK, RAGGA TWINS, WEIRD TOGETHER, CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY, EGYPTIAN LOVER, GL, LATINAOTEAROA, YOKO ZUNA, FRANK BOOKER, NICKODEMUS, AROHA, GREG CHURCHILL, TALL BLACK GUY, DUBHEAD, SELECTA SAM, VILLETTE, DYLAN C