Live Nation Acquires New Zealand’s Rhythm and Vines Festival

AUKLAND, NZ (CelebrityAccess) – Live Nation Entertainment has announced that it has purchased a controlling stake in New Zealand’s Rhythm and Vines Festival.

Founded in 2003, the three-day festival, which is set among wineries in the coastal town of Gisborne, is one of New Zealand’s biggest music and camping festivals and the country’s most iconic New Year’s event.

Rhythm and Vines has played host to a number of big headliners over the years including Public Enemy, Moby, LCD Soundsystem, Wiz Khalifa, Bastille, and Chance the Rapper among others.

Of the acquisition, Live Nation New Zealand Chairman, Stuart Clumpas said: “Over the course of 15 years, Rhythm and Vines has curated a wonderful line up of both domestic and international talent in one of the most beautiful parts of our country. It has become a household name in New Zealand and we’re excited to be adding the festival to the Live Nation portfolio and welcoming its experienced team to the company.”

With more than 100 festivals in its global festival portfolio including some of the world’s finest such as Download, Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, Way Out West, Splendour In The Grass and US favourites Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and Governors Ball, Live Nation’s investment in Rhythm and Vines, only further strengthens the company’s position in the New Zealand market.