Wairarapa Country Music Festival | 28 – 30 January, 2022
The 2022 Wairarapa Country Music Festival is set to be the biggest yet! Featuring thirteen acts over three days and suitable for the whole family, the festival is jam-packed with musical talent, bringing some of New Zealand’s finest country artists to the Tauherenikau Racing and Event Centre!
This year the evening shows on Friday and Saturday will each host a different line-up, plus we’ll have line-dancing workshops, walk-up singing opportunities and a visit from Cruise Martinborough. New this year, on Thursday 27 January we’ll be hosting an outdoor movie on the big screen (we’ll announce the movie closer to the date – it will be worth the wait!). Movie tickets are just $10 a person!
Your 2022 Wairarapa Country Music Festival line-up:
We’re welcoming to the stage the one and only Jackie Bristow, back from Nashville; Barry Saunders, lead singer of The Warratahs and NZ legend; Melissa & The Dr, Melissa Partridge was the overall winner of the incredible 2021 Gold Guitar Awards as well as the Gospel, new country, female vocal and singer/songwriter section awards; Dolly and Kenny take the stage in the one-of-a-kind Dolly Parton Experience; Always the life of the party, Shenanigans will light up the stage with a celtic twist; and Kevin Greaves combines classic country music with his comedic flair.
We’re also thrilled to announce that joining these country music legends will be outstanding entertainers, JamesRay; Granddaddy of Country Music, Wayne R. Heath; Cooper’s Run; In the Shallows; Paula Story; and our talented up-and-comers, Maddy Bean and Rererangi Twaddell. The entire weekend will be supported by fabulous backing band, Pure Dixie.
It’s going to be a stellar weekend and you’re invited – so get your tickets now!
Passes start from just $20 and kids aged 16 and under are free!
Tickets & pricing
*Please note, all prices listed are for one adult
| Three day pass | $50 |
| Single day passes | |
| Friday | $30 |
| Saturday | $40 |
| Saturday – premium grandstand seats | $60 |
| Sunday | $20 |
Onsite Accommodation Packages
Motorhome and Caravan Packages
| Weekend package for one/two | $80/$130 |
| Three-day pass per adult, with parking per motorhome or caravan for three nights | |
| Premium weekend package for one/two | $100/$170 |
| Three-day pass per adult with allocated grandstand seating on Saturday, and parking per motorhome or caravan for three nights |
|
| Tent Sites | $15 |
| Price per tent, per night – festival admission additional | |
Tell me more about the festival…
The Wairarapa Country Music Festival is hitting the big time! Bigger and better than ever before, it’s the perfect weekend escape for motorhomes and caravans, a fantastic day and night out for families and a country music paradise for boot-scooters and toe tappers near and far.
Thursday evening: Join us for a movie on the big screen!
Friday evening line-up*: In the Shallows, Kevin Greaves, JamesRay, Paula Story, Jackie Bristow, Melissa and the Dr, Shenanigans
Saturday evening line-up*: In the Shallows, Cooper’s Run, Melissa and the Dr, Kevin Greaves/JamesRay, Barry Saunders/Jackie Bristow, The Dolly Parton Experience.
Sunday line-up: Listen to out future stars, Maddy Bean and Rererangi Twaddell!
+ Our line-dancing workshops, Cruise Martinborough visit and walk-up performance opportunities. You’ve gotta come!
*Evening line-ups are subject to change. If this should happen and you’ve already purchased a single-day ticket but you wish to attend an alternate festival day in-line with a particular artist’s performance, please just email wairarapa.racing@xtra.co.nz
Check out the lineup…
From classic country to those tunes you can’t help but sing along to, the stars of our 2022 festival will have you clapping, dancing and toe-tapping to some of the greatest country music hits there are…
Jackie Bristow
Home from Nashville, Tennessee, country music sensation Jackie Bristow is an absolute showstopper! A true professional, with a distinctive and beautiful voice, you’ll love her classic country style and her repertoire…
Barry Saunders
Kiwi legend and lead singer of The Warratahs, Barry Saunders is a highlight on any bill. One of NZ’s most successful recording artists and respected songwriters, Barry’s music runs through the veins of the nation…
The dolly parton experience
Karen Davy and Ken Strong perform this one-hour show with stunning costumes, loads of audience participation and FUN. An absolute festival highlight, you don’t want to miss this…
Kevin Greaves
Country music, comedy and a stage presence like no other, Kevin Greaves is one of just a handful of international artists to have performed at the world famous Grand Ole Opry!
Melissa & The Dr
Winner of the 2021 NZ Gold Guitar Awards, Melissa Partridge joins Hyram Twang in a blend of two countries, two generations, two voices and two styles coming together to create something special.
JamesRay
One of the hottest country rock artists performing today, JamesRay is a multi-award winning international performing and recording artist.
Shenanigans
If you haven’t heard of Shenanigans, you probably aren’t from around here! Outstanding performers, this Irish band is made up of Kiwi superstars. They’ll be the life of the party!
Wayne R. Heath
Having enjoyed well over 50yrs of experience as a singer, entertainer and recording artist, our MC, the Granddaddy of country music is back!
In The Shallows
Offering up an exquisitely silken sound that weaves together soaring harmonies, mesmerising vocals and acoustic guitars, In the Shallows brings tales of love, loss, connection and redemption.
Maddy Bean
Maddy is just 15 years-old and has been a regular walk-up performer at past festivals. We’re thrilled to officially give this talented performer the stage!
Cooper's Run
NZ Idol finalist, Ashley Cooper and singer/songwriter Michael Tipping could just be hottest duo going!
These two have shared the stage with Lady Antebellum, Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers!
Rererangi Twaddell
Another young talent, 16 year-old Rererangi loves the opportunity country music festivals give her to express her talent and meet with other young singers and musicians.
Paula Story
A top class solo performer, Paula Story brings over 20 years experience to the stage. A powerful, soulful voice, Paula is an entertainer for all ages and genres.
Pure Dixie
Supporting each of our artists over the festival, Pure Dixie is one of NZ’s premiere backing bands featuring some of the finest musicians in the country.