‘Peace, hope, and a break from the normal’ at Festival One

Monday, 27 January 2025

The Savills had rolled up to Festival One on Sunday. From left are Ebenezer, 7, Noelle, Eli, and Solomon, 5.

“Bring back Saving Grace,” says Hamilton’s Eli Savill as he rolls into Festival One for a day with his wife and two young kids.

While the Christian metal band did not make an appearance, 65 other bands did.

Festival One, in its eleventh year, is the only Christian music and ministry multi-day festival in the country this year.

More than 4000 people attended the event, which began on Friday and finished on Monday, at Karāpiro’s Hartford Farm.

Festival One executive director Graham Burt said while many festivals got cancelled this year and others were 30% down on attendees, their numbers remained steady.

He put that down to a loyal customer base and the after-effects of a turbulent year.

“Most people are talking about the tough year they've had - be it economical climate, relationship, work - and are looking for peace, hope, and a break from the normal.”

The festival’s key demographic - ages 16 to 24 - was bigger than ever, he said.

Victoria Kitchen travelled from Palmerston North to attend Festival One for the first time.

Victoria Kitchen with her son Reid Kitchen, 8, at Festival One in Karapiro.

Her kids - eight, 12 and 14 - were now old enough to enjoy it and she was prepared to dip into her savings.

She forked out over $650 on tickets for four, plus fuel and food, for the long weekend - “enough for me to second guess.”

Ver DeClay plays on the Forest Stage at Festival One.

Kitchen noticed many from her church didn’t attend this year and wondered if it was related to finances.

However, she was glad she’d come. Her family’s biggest challenge, because her husband was tied up with work, was to put the tent up and make meals on a gas cooker.

Festival One executive director Graham Burt said attendee numbers had stayed steady, despite other festivals struggling.

“We did it and survived the wind and rain last night, it’s a very proud moment.”

Kitchen’s favourite band was Albert Street, that played on the opening night, but also Ver DeClay.

Festival One organisers said their key demographic, 16 to 24-year-olds, was bigger than ever.

“When I went to Parachute back in the day, there were stages all over the place and quite far away from each other, whereas here everything feels a little bit more close-knit,” she said.

“We're loving it because it's got a bit more of a kind of villagey feel, very cool.”

Organiser Burt said the festival was created so attendees could find peace in their faith, in God.

From left, Ruby van Maanen, Paige Kamper, Olivia Aitken, Ella Aitken and Rebecca Rowland.

“So big groups worshipping, singing, praying together, and we've got equally strong amount of creation around private space…

“Sitting amongst the trees down by the river, all kinds of beautiful art spaces around the place where people can just come and sit and catch a breath.”

Burt said there was no need for security at the alcohol-and-drug-free, all-ages festival. Despite that, they had “hosts” on site.

“People being absolutely nuts, dancing, throwing themselves around.

“Anywhere else, security would have been needed, but here it is just some kids having fun.”

“When we started 11 years ago, we had a high police presence because they came to every big event, over the years they've diminished to the point where they don't come.”

Ruby Van Maahen, 19, had come to festival with friends and family and loved the silent disco.

“Everyone's listening to the same song, but you've got like a headset on.”

The group was also looking forward to the dance party on Sunday night.