09 December 2012 - 0 Comments

We’re getting ever closer to kicking off the South Island’s biggest music event, a world-class musical line-up in one of NZ’s most majestic locations. It’s about as good as summer can get in our country’s Southern land.

Terrace Downs Resort at the base of Mt Hutt Ski Area is playing host to some of the most cutting-edge talent from around the world and right here at home. SBTRKT, Disclosure, Netsky, Ruby Frost, Flume, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Chali 2na and Amiria Grenell are just some of the diverse artists on stage December 28-29.

Festival developments:

R&A has undergone some major improvements since its debut in 2011 in terms of layout, activities and operations. Specialised first aid assistance from local company Pro Med from Temuka is one such upgrade, along with another local company, Our Daily Waste, who specialise in recycling and waste management – making sure R&A is ahead of the game in terms of taking care of the environment. While free parking is provided at R&A, it is also easy to bus there from Methven, the closest town to the event, and also from Christchurch airport, provided by Methven Travel.

Free camping is a big drawcard for R&A, and this year the campsite will include a food hall to hang out in, with 12 different food vendors offering a range of different options, from fast food to healthy vege cuisine. Campers will have loads of activities to enjoy as well; from volleyball, touch and cricket, to R&A’s most exciting development yet… A massive waterslide to cool off in!

R&A’s media partners are getting involved onsite and creating some of the atmosphere away from the stages. Spotify is hosting a Chill Out tent where people can take a break from the crowds and still listen to great music. While The Edge will be there with an amazing Pamper Room so festival-goers can look spectacular for the party. Glow in the dark nails anyone?!

Local business:

Mid-Canterbury residents and businesses are getting involved again this year, as the local areas benefit directly from events of this size and are keen to see R&A grow.

Up to 100 volunteers from local clubs will be involved again this year, and donations will then be made to their organisations.  After the success of last year’s festival, $3,000 was donated to Mt Hutt College and Windwhistle School.

R&A’s huge roster of artists will be hosted at a number of nearby hotels and motels, from Methven to Terrace Downs, seeing some hang up their ‘no vacancy’ signs for the duration. Local cafes, restaurants, petrol stations and retailers will also see a huge pick-up in business once the festival crowds begin to arrive.

Experience Mid Canterbury and Ashburton Council have contributed to the event this year, as they understand the importance of fostering the festival’s growth. The GM of Experience Mid Canterbury comments; “We support R&A due to the strength of last year’s event, and we believe there is scope for it to grow bigger, like sister Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne. An annual event like this brings viable economic gain to the region.”

Tickets here: http://www.rhythmandalps.co.nz/

Plus: tickets now available in-store @ Cosmic in both Christchurch and Dunedin.

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