Make the most of Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025 by starting your evening at the Festival Hub — your go-to spot for info, atmosphere, and entertainment! Opening every night from 6pm.
What to Expect:
📍 Info & Maps – Find out what’s on, when, and where
🍿 Snacks & Treats – Warm up this winter with hot drinks and sweet treats from Black & White Coffee – and cool it down with a scoop of real fruit ice cream!
🎶 Whakatāne Sound Project Presents - Radiant Rhythms'. Every night between 6-8pm. This is a showcase of talent that has been nurtured by our amazing performance and recording space here in Whakatāne. Come down for a boogie and see the array of talent we have here in our musical community while enjoying the light show.
🎨 Drop by the Festival Hub and get creative with our colouring-in station. Perfect for all ages—grab a colouring sheet, add your brightest colours, and enter to win some awesome prizes!
✨ Pop-Up Events – Surprise activities and creative moments all week long!
Whether you’re planning your trail journey or just soaking up the vibe, the Festival
Hub is the perfect place to start — and stay a while.
Sunday 6th July
Pop-up Activity- Enjoy free games and grab some glow sticks for sale thanks to Trident High School!
Music - Bling is a DJ who likes to mix uplifting house beats.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Monday 7th July
Pop-up Activity - Free face painting at the Festival Hub. Pop by for a splash of colour and festival fun – all at no cost!
Music - Dave Stewart & The Revolution performs some classic Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Billy Bragg all rolled into one, with a little help from his friends.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Tuesday 8th July
Pop-up Activity - Experience the magic of Whakatāne Kiwi Trust’s brand new Kiwi Hub
Music - Rhys is a Contemporary Fusion Classical Guitarist.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Wednesday 9th July
Activity - Wheels, Waka and Wonders Night
6-9pm - Explore the trail on your wheels of choice — bike, scooter, skates, or even a unicycle!
6-7pm - Marvel at the illuminated flotilla of boats and waka as they light up the river.
5:30-8:30pm - Step inside Te Koputu after dark for a unique cultural experience by night.
Learn about the local elections
Music - Coops is an acoustic solo act with a range of modern and classic tunes to get you singing and dancing.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Thursday 10th July
Pop-up Activity - Zonta Activity TBC - purchase a delicious gooey smore and a cup of milo
Music - Silverhair blends electronic beats with spoken word and ethereal vocals for a shiny performance.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Friday 11th July
Pop-up Activity - TBC
Music - Kharmi is an Electronic Music DJ that incorporates live guitar into his sets.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
Saturday 12th July
Pop-up Activity - TBC
Learn about the local elections
Music - Pulse is a local music producer/DJ bringing Groovy electronic music that will keep you vibin.
Vendors - Black and White Coffee & Real Fruit Ice Cream
