Upsurge Festival is thrilled to unveil its 2024 programme! Running from 8-15 September, this eight-day event will infuse the Bay of Islands with a vibrant array of performances and activities.

Festival co-directors Caroline and Dave Armstrong have crafted an outstanding lineup, featuring captivating music, theatre, and dance performances. The programme also includes the highly anticipated Kōrero/Conversations series, which promises a weekend of engaging and insightful discussions.

"Our focus for our second Upsurge as directors is to continue celebrating our wonderful rohe and the fabulous people who live here, we want to highlight the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Bay of Islands, showcasing local talent alongside national artists. This year's programme is all about bringing our community together to enjoy a wide range of artistic expressions. We're excited to create a festival that resonates with everyone and fosters a sense of pride and connection in our beautiful region," say Caroline and Dave.

Alongside exciting music, theatre and dance performance, over the final two days, the much-loved Kōrero/Conversations programme takes centre stage, offering intimate conversations and inspiring stories. This year features a diverse array of writers from the Bay of Islands region and beyond, sharing unique voices and perspectives and fostering a sense of community that is the heart of the Upsurge festival.

Highlights include Dame Gaylene Preston sharing anecdotes from her autobiography Gaylene's Take; Jude Dobson presents the story of French spy Pippa Latour in The Last Secret Agent, and Dr. Hinemoa Elder and her daughter Millie discuss their bond and Hinemoa’s latest book Waitohu.

View the full festival programme here