What began as a bold idea in 2015 has evolved into New Zealand’s premier music festival. Electric Avenue, held annually in Christchurch’s iconic Hagley Park, has grown into a cultural cornerstone—drawing tens of thousands from across Aotearoa and beyond. In 2025, the festival marked a major milestone, attracting more than 70,000 music lovers over two days, making it the largest music event in New Zealand.

A Festival Born in Christchurch

Electric Avenue launched on Waitangi Day, February 6, 2015. The inaugural event featured a lineup of top local talent including Shapeshifter, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and Ladi6, attracting 8,000 attendees. Set against the lush backdrop of Hagley Park, it aimed to bring live music back to the heart of Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes.

What began as a one-day celebration of music and unity quickly found its rhythm. By staying true to its community roots and investing in local infrastructure, Electric Avenue steadily expanded. The festival now features international acts, state-of-the-art production, and a diverse musical lineup covering everything from electronica and rock to soul and hip-hop.

Who Runs Electric Avenue?

Behind the success of Electric Avenue is Team Event—a Christchurch-based event management company known for its robust portfolio, including the Great Kiwi Beer Festival and the South Island Wine & Food Festival. The festival is led by Callam Mitchell, whose vision and leadership have helped steer Electric Avenue to national acclaim.

Mitchell has consistently emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive, multigenerational experience. “It’s not just about the music,” he told RNZ. “It’s about the atmosphere, the safety, the diversity, and giving people something to look forward to every year.”

Safety First: A Track Record to Be Proud Of

In a time where many festivals globally face uncertainty, Electric Avenue stands out not just for its size, but for its safety. With comprehensive planning, world-class crowd control measures, and a deeply experienced operations team, Electric Avenue boasts one of the strongest safety records in New Zealand’s festival landscape.

Emergency services, security teams, and volunteer networks work seamlessly with organisers each year to ensure the event is not only enjoyable but secure. There have been no major incidents reported over its decade-long history—an extraordinary feat for a festival of this scale.

More Than Music: A Community Vibe

Electric Avenue has always been about more than just music. Its heartbeat is the vibrant sense of community it fosters. The festival actively promotes sustainability initiatives, supports local food and beverage vendors, and welcomes people of all ages. From families enjoying afternoon sets to late-night dance parties under the stars, Electric Avenue offers something for everyone.

Festival-goers often remark on the “Electric Avenue feeling”—a unique blend of joy, safety, freedom, and togetherness. It’s a rare kind of event where first-timers, seasoned festival heads, and entire families can share the same space and feel equally at home.

The Future Looks Bright

While the global festival industry continues to face challenges, Electric Avenue is thriving. Its 2025 expansion to a two-day format not only marked its 10-year anniversary but also demonstrated its long-term sustainability and cultural importance.

As New Zealand’s safest and most celebrated music festival, Electric Avenue is setting a new benchmark for how live events can be both large-scale and community-minded.

In a world where many festivals are fading, Electric Avenue is turning up the volume—leading the way with safety, inclusivity, and a whole lot of soul.