The lineup for The Great Kiwi Beer Festival has just dropped, and we’re getting our elbows out for places in this queue, because it is looking FIERCE.

Headlining the day are old-skool Kiwi rockers Zed, and 80s icons Hello Sailor.

ZED originally formed while the band members were students at Christchurch’s Cashmere High. They all shared a passion for guitar pop – fuelled by their parents’ old Beatles records, a bit of Crowded House, and radio stars Supergrass and Radiohead.

Hello Sailor’s current line-up, featuring original members Harry Lyon and Rick Ball, is dedicated to keeping the music and memory of Dave McArtney and Graham Brazier alive. Powered by the indomitable rhythm of Rick Ball on drums and Paul Woolright on bass, they have the Sailor energy and attitude. Harry Lyon and Jimmy Taylor take care of the weaving guitars, and will take fans of the band’s classic sound right back to the 80s.

Also playing are Dunedin’s Summer Thieves, Park Rd from West Auckland, and Christchurch artist Goodwill.

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is New Zealand’s biggest craft beer celebration in the January sun, with over 300 craft beers and ciders on tap.

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival
Hagley Park
Sat 29 Jan
greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz