Things to do  |  9 Apr 2025

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Bringing some big names back into the spotlight, Go Live turns five this winter, cementing its presence on the Ōtautahi music festival calendar.

The 2025 show, produced by Christchurch City Council, features “an incredible line-up of both homegrown and national talent,” says Manager of Events and Art Lucy Blackmore.  

“Taking the stage for the first time in more than a decade is legendary electronic act Minuit. The Nelson trio performed many a gig in Ōtautahi in the early 2000s before rising to fame with a string of hit albums and EPs, performed all over Aotearoa and internationally.  

“Fans will also witness a special reunion of the 90s punk-pop rock band Slim, delivering a dose of nostalgia and high-energy anthems, along with recently reformed national rock legends Tadpole, featuring local artist Lauren Marshall on vocals,” Ms Blackmore says. 

“Rodney Fisher (Goodshirt) will be teaming up with local indie music producers The Response. Most people will recognise his distinctive voice from the Goodshirt hit ‘Sophie’, which went number one in New Zealand in 2022 and won Best Music Video the following year.  

“Adding to the excitement, sonic powerhouse Cairo Knife Fight are jetting in directly from the USA to rock the crowd,” Ms Blackmore says. “It’ll be the duo’s first hometown show in over nine years, having each forged impressive music careers in the States alongside their work as a band.”  

Go Live Festival 2025 will also feature exceptional local artists, including ‘folkish’ duo Terrible Sons, country collaboration Steffany Beck and Miranda Easten, and pop-rockers Castaway, plus The Rainfall, One Waka, Ellie Oak, Ryan Fisherman, and the 2025 winners of Dig the Gig. 

“From the newest acts to the household names, this line-up is stacked with super talented performers. We know it’s going to be a great night for fans and music lovers to enjoy,” Ms Blackmore says.  

Festival goers can see their pick of the 13 acts across four stages at the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 23 August, from 7.15pm to 11pm. 

Limited tickets are on sale now – $35 plus booking fees. 

“Lock in your plans, round up your crew and get your tickets. This is going to be an unmissable show.”  

Check out all the details, including artist bios and where to get tickets, at What’s On.