The Nelson Regional Final of Smokefreerockquest, New Zealand's nationwide, live, original music, youth event, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting, in venues from Northland to Southland.
Smokefreerockquest 2025, powered by Rockshop, aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, to realise the opportunities available in music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand Music.
Stalls (downstairs): General Admission tickets. Some seats removed to make room for dancing.
Dress Circle (upstairs): allocated seating.
Plus1 proudly presents four homecoming concerts in October for New Zealand’s international country star Tami Neilson, fresh from her US performances at the Outlaw Festival Series with Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Mavericks and more.
Tami Neilson brings her Neon Cowgirl tour to Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch this October.
Her huge, glorious voice and powerful live performances have won the admiration and support of some of country music's biggest names and fans worldwide. 2025 has been a landmark year for Neilson, with invitations to perform at the Outlaw festivals, Merlefest, Willie's Fourth of July Picnic, The Grand Ole Opry, and a European tour.
Neilson’s album Neon Cowgirl (out 11 July) is one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases, following the success of singles You’re Gonna Fall, and Borrow My Boots.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see Tami Neilson live in New Zealand performing songs from Neon Cowgirl and across her entire career.
"Neilson is at the forefront of the women who are taking back country music." — NO DEPRESSION
Join Nelson Civic Choir and soloists for an entertaining musical romp through the fanciful "topsy-turvy" worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan in an afternoon of costumed frivolity with excerpts from The Gondoliers, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe and many more.
Presenting at the Theatre Royal Nelson for the first time in many years, members of the Nelson Civic Choir pull out all the Victorian stops. Gilbert and Sullivan created a world where each absurdity is taken to its logical conclusion: fairies rub elbows with British Lords, flirting is a capital offence, gondoliers ascend to the monarchy, and pirates emerge as noblemen who have gone astray.
Choral Comedy presents an afternoon of memorable melodies with perfectly outrageous storylines performed in a completely deadpan way.
Everyone's favourite ogre is back in an hilarious tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, alongside a wise-cracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy and a fire breathing dragon and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.
Luckily there's one on hand and his name is Shrek!
Nayland College’s diverse Performing Arts programme brings Dance, Drama and Music to the Theatre Royal stage in the annual showcase of exceptional performance talent. The school takes part in several annual activities including Smokefree Rockquest, The NZCF Big Sing Choral competition, the MEFA Band and Orchestra Festival (Wellington), the Vast Dance Festival and numerous other Arts activities.
This evening gives the Nayland and Nelson Communities the opportunity to support youth performance and have an enjoyable night out at this celebration of creativity, talent and hard work!
NBS Nelson City Brass brings the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, London to the Theatre Royal Nelson in this celebration of a wide range of music culminating in one of the greatest audience participation sing-a-longs in concerts!
The 'real' Last Night of the Proms is the finale of 90 concerts held during July, August and September. The 'Last Night' is an informal, dress-up event where attendees have to have attended concerts during the regular prom season. The music is diverse, engaging and highly entertaining, and NBS Nelson Brass looks forward to welcoming you for our own Nelson Last (and only) Night of the Proms. Don't miss out.
Your ticket includes a 'goody-bag' which will help make your Proms experience more fun! These will be handed out at the concert for you to use during the concert and to take away.
RQP presents Showquest - a night to celebrate creative rangatahi.
Showquest is a nationwide performing arts programme and a platform for youth voices to be heard. Be amazed by original stage performances combining Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Technology. Students design, produce and perform their stories in a powerful night of celebration with the community.
Young designers will follow the performances with the TOI wearable art showcase - prepare to be WOWed! Watch friendly inter-school rivalries heat up as ākonga explore the issues that are important to them. Join friends and whānau in supporting local emerging talent on the big stage!
Showquest and TOI are proudly presented by RQP, champions for young creators and producers of Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, Rockshop Bandquest, OnScreen and Stills.
Get the electrifying concert experience of Tina Turner, brimming with iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s.
Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
Hear all the energetic rock and soulful RnB hits that made Tina one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music: (Simply) The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, We Don’t Need Another Hero, What You Get is What You See, Private Dancer, It Takes Two and many more.
Not to be missed – BOOK NOW!
Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas.
Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.
After captivating audiences across the USA and around the world, A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland returns to New Zealand this festive season following a highly successful 2022 tour. Experience the magic as world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling in one truly unforgettable performance.
Featuring former World Irish dance champions and stars from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Celtic Christmas delivers a holiday spectacular packed with Irish wit, traditional tunes and heartfelt ballads, alongside all your favourite carols. The show’s exciting mix of electrifying rhythms and extraordinary talent promises an evening brimming with Irish charm and enthralling entertainment, all in one powerhouse event.
Immerse yourself in a traditional Celtic landscape and let the magic of an Irish Christmas transport you to a world filled with excitement and wonder, where vibrant music and dance embody the heartbeat of the festive season.
With over one hundred and fifty 5-star Facebook reviews and over 150,000 followers, A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland promises 100% live singing and dancing as it bridges the gap between energetic folk music, Irish dance, and modern tap styles.
Don’t miss your chance to see this magical show as it tours New Zealand for a strictly limited season. Get your tickets now before they sell out.
**musical instruments are subject to change from performance to performance
The Nelson Marlborough West Coast Brass Band Competition returns to Nelson and we invite you to join us for the 'Festival of Brass' where bands present a competition programme with a focus on stagecraft, 'lighter' pieces, and a featured soloist from within the band.
Judged by two music judges (Mark Carter, NZSO and Cameron James, NZ Army Band) and entertainment judge, MP for Nelson Rachel Boyack, this will be a great night of Brass Band entertainment.
General Admission (seats not allocated)
