The Parihaka International Peace Festival, Aotearoa New Zealand’s only community-organised weekend outdoor event, will again take place at the historic Parihaka Pa on January 9 – 11, 2009. Over two dozen acts have been announced, including Katchafire, Kora, Little Bushman and SJD.

More than just a musical event, the Parihaka International Peace Festival features two stages, a dance music zone, film festival, speakers and eco forums plus traditional healing, poetry, children’s area and much more.

The kaupapa for this year’s festival is still “Peace Justice and Eco Responsibility”. Festival Director Te Miringa Hohaia said that these  concerns remain the focus with a desire for dialogue.

Tickets are available now at http://www.parihaka.com/ and at Ticketek (service fees may apply).  Early Bird tickets (through to October 31st) are priced at $135, rising to $150; gate sales will be $175. Children are just $10 (16 years and younger and must be accompanied by an adult, ID may be requested) and kaumatua tickets (65 years plus) are only $20. There are small additional charges for camping and parking (see the website for details).

The full line-up can be viewed here.