The festival is being reimagined in summer 2026 under the name ‘Christchurch Music Festival’.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Christchurch Quay, the festival will run Friday to Sunday, 17–19 July 2026, with something for everyone – from soul, Motown and disco to rock, pop, country and global sounds, plus a feel-good Family Day to round things off.

We’re building a weekend that brings people together – old friends and new faces – through the power of live music, internationally-acclaimed artists, great food, drink, and local collaboration.

Keep an eye on our social channels and website for entertainment announcements, ticket updates, and ways to get involved.

This festival is for you.

Christchurch’s summer music festival dates back to the mid-1990s, beginning as a community folk festival. Over time it evolved to cater for a wider variety of tastes, adding soul, salsa and even clog and Morris dancing to its programme.

Held on the Quomps (the town quay), the festival became a signature town event, often featuring a large marquee main stage, multiple dance exhibitions and smaller gigs in local pubs and outdoor stages. Local press describe it as “the ultimate summer weekend for the whole family,” with live music on multiple stages, children’s entertainment and food stalls from local producers.

The festival ran annually through the 2010s but went on hiatus after 2019. In 2023 it was rebooted and renamed ‘Xchurch Music Festival’ by a new local team: Christchurch pub owners and community organisers took the helm (the team behind The Thomas Tripp pub and Bodega Tapas Bar) and revived the event for the first time since 2019.