27/01/2026
2026 Programme
Location: Gunn’s Bush Camp, Waimate
Dates: Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 February 2026
Thursday, February 5 – Arrival and Welcome
From 2:00 PM – Site available for arrival and setup
From 5:00 PM – Registration opens
See organisers Rosie and Martin for allocation of bunk rooms and powered sites.
Please check before parking or plugging in, as powered sites are booked in
advance.
Registration desk will be in the main hall if weather allows, or under the trees
near the hall if hot.
Evening: Informal jamming and catch-up session
Friday, February 6 – Music and Merriment
9:30 AM – Blackboard/Themed concerts and Blind Date lists open in the main hall
10:00 AM – Blackboard Concert 1
11:00 AM – Marcus Turner Tribute Concert
12:00 PM – Lunch
12:45 PM – Blind Date draw and meet with Blind Date groups
1:15–2:15 PM – Guest Artist Concert: Progeny
2:45–4:15 PM – Songs of Woe and Retribution – a chance to share vengeful,
doleful folk or blues songs
4:45 PM – Waimate Water Fight – North of Waitaki River vs South of Waitaki
(All ages welcome; bring your own water weaponry)
5:15 PM – Dinner break
7:30 PM – Evening Ceilidh
Saturday, February 7 – Fun and Folk
10:30 AM–12:00 PM – Comedy Spot – Humorous songs and poems (original or
borrowed)
12:00 PM – Lunch break
12:45–1:45 PM – Blackboard Concert 2
2:00–3:00 PM – Guest Artist Concert: The Port Hillbillies
3:15–4:15 PM – Songs of Joy and Redemption
4:30–5:30 PM – Blind Date Concert
7:00 PM – Evening Concert – Guests and invited spots
10:00 PM onwards – Jamming and sessions
Sunday, February 8 – Farewell and Departure
Pack up, clean up, and prepare for travel home.
Please vacuum bunk rooms before leaving and prop mattresses against the wall.
Take all rubbish away.
Site must be cleared by 2:00 PM.
General Notices
Fridges: Label food clearly and respect others’ items.
Kitchen and Facilities: Leave cooking, eating, and washing areas clean and
tidy.
Fire Ban: Total fire ban in place. Gas barbecues may be used with personal
gas bottles. Leave clean for the next users.
Dogs: Only well-behaved dogs allowed, by prior negotiation with
camp owners.
Extended Stays: Arriving early or staying extra nights must be arranged and
paid directly with Gunn’s Bush camp owners.
Enjoy a weekend of music, laughter, and community at the Waimate Summer
Festival 2026!
