Fritter Festival Celebrates 10 Years with Stellar Lineup

Northland Events Centre (2021) Trust Media Release

Monday 3 March 2025

The Northland Fritter Festival is back for its 10th anniversary, promising a day of fantastic music, delicious local fritters, and great company. Set to take place this Saturday 8 March at Semenoff Stadium, this event is the ultimate way to enjoy Northland’s food, wine, and live entertainment.

This year’s lineup features an exciting mix of local and national acts, including Kora, Stellar, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, The rooked Cops, and 5K. Kicking off the festival is Visual Soup, a high school band making waves on the music scene after winning Smokefree Rockquest 2024. These talented young musicians are ready to bring their energy to the Fritter Festival stage, and festival-goers are encouraged to show their support.

Visual Soup, made up of four students from Whangārei Boys High School, formed in 2022 for the Smokefree Rockquest and have been performing ever since. Band member Harper Gray shared his excitement about the opportunity to play at Fritter Festival: “We’re pretty stoked! It’s such a cool opportunity to get some experience and get our name out there - entering the world of being a band. Plus, we can’t wait to play alongside some incredible acts like Kora, Stellar, and Lost Tribe Aotearoa and, of course, try all the amazing fritters!”

Georgia Parker, Event Manager for Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, praised last year’s Northland competition and the quality of its young musicians: “We always look forward to the Northland regional events, and last year’s event was an absolute standout. It is clear the acts were very well prepared and had worked hard on their performances – but more importantly, there was an energy of celebration and encouragement. Visual Soup took out the top spot, and it's awesome to see them now on the lineup for the Fritter Festival. They’re a very impressive young band and an awesome reflection of a region that writes and performs fantastic original music.”

Brent Markwick, Chief Executive of Northland Events Centre (2021) Trust, is excited to see the festival mark a decade of celebrating music and food in Northland: “The Fritter Festival is a highlight on the Northland events calendar, bringing people together to enjoy incredible local food, fantastic music, and a great summer vibe. It’s particularly special to have Visual Soup opening this year’s festival – it’s a testament to the amazing talent in our region. We invite everyone to come along and make this 10th-anniversary event one to remember.”

In addition to outstanding live music, festival-goers can indulge in a variety of locally made gourmet fritters, showcasing the best flavours of Northland, alongside a selection of regional wines and craft beers. With a relaxed atmosphere and a strong community feel, Fritter Festival is the perfect day out with friends and family.

The first Fritter Festival took place in 2013, and while a couple of years were missed due to COVID-19, the event continued in spirit with Backyard Fritter in 2020. Now, in 2025, the festival is ready to celebrate a decade of good food, great music, and unforgettable memories.

Tickets are available online at Eventfinda, over the counter at Whangārei i-SITE, or at the venue gate on the day.

Photo: Brodie Stone