Smokefree Rockquest is New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, who now run Rockquest Promotions full-time out of Nelson. Smokefree Rockquest is a New Zealand institution.

Musical successes from Smokefree Rockquest include Kimbra, Broods, The Good Fun, Midnight Youth, Opshop, Annah Mac, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Minuit, Kids of 88, Die!Die!Die!, Pistol Youth, Bang!Bang!Eche!, Ivy Lies, Cairo Knife Fight, Cut Off Your Hands, Luke Thompson, The Datsuns, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, Anna Coddington, The Electric Confectionaires, Steriogram, Aaradhna, Spacifix, The Naked and Famous, Phoenix Foundation, The Feelers, The Black Seeds, Nesian Mystik, Bic Runga, The Checks, Julia Deans, Pine, King Kapisi, Kingston, The Naked and Famous, Autozamm and Elemeno P.

Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support 100% original New Zealand music.

Kiwi pop sensation Mitch James is about to take the world by storm, announcing a string of international shows and a New Zealand tour.

Throughout May, James - who now shares a booking agent with Ed Sheeran - will play shows in the UK, including an already sold-out show in London. He will then return to New Zealand to embark on his biggest headlining tour to date.

He will be supported on his New Zealand tour by the four-piece indie pop-rockers Mako Road. See below for more info.

Mitch James' self-titled gold-certified debut album has dominated the charts and amassed more than 80 million streams on Spotify, since its release last year. The record contains four Gold certified singles, including current single 'Bright Blue Skies', 'Old News', 'All The Ways To Say Goodbye' and '21'.

After a busy 2018, in which he toured extensively - playing sold-out shows across Australia with Conrad Sewell; opening for Ed Sheeran in New Zealand; and his own headline tour - James intentionally held back over summer, performing at only a handful of shows including ZM's Float and to a packed crowd at the renowned Homegrown Festival in Wellington.

Now the singer-songwriter is set to debut new music and play his firm favourites to fans across the globe, but most importantly to his loyal Kiwi supporters.

James is thrilled to have Mako Road joining him on the road. Formed while at the University of Canterbury, Mako Road is an indie pop-rock outfit from Christchurch.

Beginning as a covers band playing at university events and parties, the four lads eventually developed their own sound influenced by a range of genres, leading them to release three singles in 2017, and their debut EP, THE GREEN SUPERINTENDENT in early 2018. They recently sold out shows across New Zealand.

Renowned for its electric and stunning performances, "The Air Force on Tour" will take audiences on a wild ride of musical styles: from military classics to popular show tunes. You'll hear everything from Mozart to John Williams and even the Monarchy of Music; Queen. Soloists will include Murray Mansfield QSM on bagpipes, the thrilling Drum Line and astounding vocalist Barbara Graham.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, and is often heard welcoming dignitaries at Government House, or providing music for commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. It performed at the sold-out 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and most recently to a near capacity The Air Force in Concert at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the excitement of a full-sized symphonic band in concert!

Due to circumstances the AC/DC Story tour has been cancelled. Ticket holders will be contacted about refunds.

New Zealand’s first Variety show and semi pro pole competition all rolled into one.

Come be dazzled by New Zealand’s up and coming pole dancers and athletes competing in the Pole Artistry Grand Masters Competition:

Guest performances by:
- Nelsons very own songstress former lead vocalist of Urban, Betsyanne Hill.
- NZ’s original international show girl, Venus Starr.
- Returning to NZ, Nelsons all time favourite neo burlesque beauty, Vixen De Licious.
- Russian aerial stars Kira and Evgeny.
- The captivating hoop artist Harlow Le Strange.
- and the forever freakish Mr Heaphy.

A portion of ticket sales will be going towards the BRAVENZ organisation to help raise awareness about
sexual violence among youth in Aotearoa and provide the appropriate tools and support to young people
affected by sexual harm.

Staring award-winning Ali Harper who last appeared in Nelson with the popular one woman show Songs for Nobodies at the Nelson Arts Festival. Legendary Divas is a celebration of all those incredible women that have inspired us with their music.

Expect nostalgia, comedy, audience participation, a rip roaring 80s medley with a splash of Madonna as well as many stories enlightening the audience; French Chanteuse Edith Piaf's connection with the Resistance, a Julie Andrew's My Fair Lady spoof to Dolly Parton's love for the nip and tuck.

Glamourous and captivating. Legendary Divas is a feast for anyone who wants to reminisce and celebrate those extraordinary women who will always remain in our hearts through their music.

Tickets on sale from 1 December 2018, 9.00am. Early bird special from 1 Dec 2018 to 15 Jan 2019.

Direct from Australia, and following more than 5000 international shows, the world's premier live ABBA tribute - The ABBA Show - is coming to town!

Far from being 'just another cover band', The ABBA Show is a full-scale theatrical production featuring more than 2 hours of live musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.

Starring incredibly detailed performances from internationally acclaimed impersonators ABBAsolutely fABBAulous, The ABBA Show gives fans of all ages a chance to re-live the ABBA concert experience, celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away!

Nelson City Brass presents Cry of the Celts. An evening of Celtic music with Musical Director Nigel Weeks conducting Nelson's own champion band. The evening will also feature Nayland College Boys Choir along with a piper and dancers to give a truly 'Celtic feel' to the nights entertainment

Rockshop Bandquest is a performance platform for New Zealand school bands, up to year 8.

Aotearoa New Zealand

Transforming the Theatre Royal into a sublime sound and light venue, composer Rhian Sheehan delivers a truly emotive and immersive audio-visual show, showcasing his brand new album A Quiet Divide, as well as work from his previous acclaimed albums.

Featuring a full band, a local string section and a dream-like montage of captivating visuals, time-lapse, portraits, animations, landscapes and starscapes, Rhian Sheehan creates a breath-taking son et lumière.

Originally from Nelson, Sheehan's award-winning compositions have featured on screens around the world, including the BBC, Netflix, HBO, the US Super Bowl and The Academy Awards, while his albums have amassed over 30 million streams on Spotify alone.

"... a 'wish you were there' moment, where the audience is so mesmerised you could hear a pin drop." SUNDAY STAR TIMES

"...a stunning show." SIMON SWEETMAN

Awards
Fiske Fulldome Film Festival (2015) - WINNER BEST SOUNDTRACK
Qantas Film & Television Awards (2010) - WINNER BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

Proudly supported by Nelson Consulting Engineers and Creative New Zealand