In a bittersweet announcement, Andrew McManus, the creator and driving force behind New Zealand’s iconic Raggamuffin Music Festival has said that Raggamuffin X, the tenth anniversary of the much-loved people’s festival, will be the final festival in Auckland at The Trusts Arena on Saturday 18 February 2017.

Having commenced in Rotorua in 2008, Raggamuffin captured the imagination of not just New Zealanders but international visitors who have travelled year in year out to enjoy some of the world’s biggest reggae stars including the inaugural line-up of UB40 (full band) Maxi Priest, The Wailers and Arrested Development. The festival has since featured other luminaries including Miss Lauryn Hill, Billy Ocean, Damian, Stephen and Ziggy Marley, Eddy Grant, Jimmy Cliff, Mary J Blige and Ali Campbell.

In making the statement McManus said Raggamuffin found its home in New Zealand 10 years ago, filling a major hole in the reggae landscape. “Along with Ali and the other original members of UB40 we all thought it would be a great idea to start a purpose-built reggae festival and the result was the birth of Raggamuffin. The culture and peaceful vibes of the Kiwi people ensured New Zealand was the obvious place to start and home Raggamuffin.”

McManus added that Raggamuffin has been an amazing journey and he was proud it had been an iconic part of New Zealand’s summers for so many years. But, he said, all good things must come to an end and this year’s Raggamuffin Festival will be a celebration of 10 years of love, peace and harmony – the mantra of Raggamuffin which has seen so many great moments and people grace the stage, internationally and locally.

“Let’s all come together and farewell this piece of New Zealand music history, celebrate what has been an amazing 10 years and enjoy the massive line up of reggae royalty from local superstars Six60, The Black Seeds and House of Shem to international icons including Shaggy, Diana King, The Wailers with Julian Marley playing a full tribute to Bob Marley, Ky-Mani Marley and many more!”

Raggamuffin X

February 18th: Trusts Arena, Auckland

Raggamuffin X is R18. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster