The Christchurch Music Festival returns to Christchurch Quay from Friday, July 16, to Sunday, July 18, 2027, after a sold-out 2026 edition drew 15,000 attendees. Organisers say this year's event, the first under the ownership of Aviary Hospitality Group in partnership with nightlife entrepreneur Ben Reynolds, has pushed them to set higher goals for the next festival.
A Three-Day Format Built Around Distinct Musical Days
Each day is designed to appeal to a different audience. The weekend opens with Boogie on the Quay, an evening of soul, Motown, disco and soulful house, featuring Boney M, Odyssey, Heather Small of M People and Sweet Female Attitude. A new Soulful House Stage will showcase top DJs from across the region.
Saturday's Summer Sounds program spans rock, pop, country, dance and global genres. Confirmed acts include Boyzlife, Marvin Humes, Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band, Ibiza Classics Live, The George Michael Singers and The Luke Combs Experience. Sunday returns to a family focus with live bands and children's activities, though details of that day's program will be announced in the coming months.
Sponsorship and Local Backing
Frettens Solicitors returns as Main Stage Sponsor for 2027, and The Captain's Club Hotel & Spa is also among the festival's supporters. Sophie Christy, a non-executive director of the festival, said that support from established local organisations is central to its continued development.
Ambitions and What Remains Unannounced
Christy said the organisers want the festival to become a highlight of the South Coast's summer calendar, drawing both local residents and visitors from further afield. Tickets are already selling strongly, but further artist announcements and festival experiences have yet to be revealed, so the full scope of the 2027 event will become clearer only as those details are published.