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Crowds at the Big Day Out - Source: ONE News -
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It may not seem it to look outside today, but summer is firmly upon us. And so, is the summer festival season.
Gone are the days when the Big Day Out was the only day out on the summer music calendar. These days, just about every weekend throughout January and February will play host to a different festival.
There are one day outings, two-day specials, three-day events and even the odd week-long affair.
No matter what your musical tastes, there's something to suit. See a full list here .
This year sees three new events arrive on the scene, jostling for your cash.
Bloom Family Festival is targeting the "yummy mummy" set with a line up of leading Kiwi music acts and more cultured entertainment - like the Royal NZ Ballet.
RetroFest, somewhat predictably, is trying to capture the Solid Gold crowd with the likes of the Village People, Leo Sayer and a host of tribute bands.
While Hastings' Madagascar Festival is a five-day affair, specialising in "cutting edge psy-trance". Different strokes and all that, I suppose.
The question is can New Zealand sustain a full summer of festivals?
Artists are touring more than ever - it's one of the few revenue sources that can't be undercut by digital downloads.
And while festivals undoubtedly provide more bang for your buck than a stand alone gig, they're still pretty pricey entertainment.
On average, festival tickets will set you back about $120.
For most people, they're a once-a-year treat. Twice if you're feeling flush.
As more events squeeze their way onto the calendar, they're putting the pinch on the rest of the sector.
Ever since the St Jerome Laneway Festival came to Auckland two years ago, the Big Day Out has failed to sell out.
It's impossible to prove Laneway has directly stolen BDO punters, but anecdotally that certainly seems to be the case.
In Australia, where the festival scene has always been more prolific than here, several festivals have begun falling over completely.
October saw the 80s' themed Rewind Festival canned after poor ticket sales. It seems Human League, Sister Sledge and Bananarama just weren't enough to lure the discerning Aussie public.
Raggamuffin may be all go here in NZ, but across the Tasman the event is "taking a break in 2012".
In fact, the past two months have seen seven festivals cancelled across the Ditch, including the ironically titled New Beginnings.
Even established festivals that were previously must-see events have failed to sell out. Splendour in the Grass and Good Vibrations both offered cut price tickets earlier this year - in a last-minute bid to fill empty seats (or patches of grass&)
But as supply increases and demand stagnates, the live music industry continues to fly in the fact of free market principles, as ticket prices continue to rise.
Last year the Big Day Out was $150 plus booking fee. That got you two main stages, two headline acts and a host of other stuff.
This year, they're charging $160 plus booking fee for one main stage, one headline act and not nearly as much stuff.
So talk to me New Zealand - are you hitting the festival circuit this summer? And what are you going to spend your hard-earned coin on?
Which festivals are the real deal and who needs to be sent packing?
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