Electric Avenue expands into 2-day event

Electric Avenue expansion could see revenue of over $7 million for Christchurch. Source: Unsplash.  

Electric Avenue (EA) has catapulted itself into the upper echelons of Aotearoa New Zealand festivals, as organisers have made the decision to span the Hagley Park based music event over a two-day period (next year, being over February 21-22). 

By separating itself from the one-day festival crowd, EA will find itself in unforeseen territory. Not only will it pump much needed life into the local Christchurch economy more than ever before, but it will create a significant cultural impact not only in Ōtautahi Christchurch, but nation-wide. 

EA is already a money-making machine for the city, drawing in over $6.3 million in 2024, the largest out of any event hosted by Christchurch this year.  

However, ChristchurchNZ’s Head of Major Events Karena Finnie highlighted to Canta how with the addition of a second day, estimates of visitor spending are “over $7 million.”  

“While short term benefits include economic impact through visitor spending on food and beverage and bed nights, the long-term gains for Ōtautahi are through boosting the city’s reputation, resident pride, liveability, and visitation,” Finnie said.  

Finnie went on to further describe how the economic success of major events such as EA will create a domino effect for attracting more national and international spectacles. 

“Christchurch has the opportunity to elevate its profile to both New Zealand and the global audience,” she said. 

“Investing in major events supports three key outcomes for Christchurch, economic impact, city brand, and delivering community benefits. Electric Avenue exemplifies how these outcomes align with its success in delivering positive results for our city.” 

But EA’s influence far surpasses just the financial realm. The addition of a second day creates an opportunity for the festival to grow exponentially in a cultural sense. 

UC student Harrison Ryburn painted a picture of just how significant the new-look EA will be culturally, as he commented how the new format will only “magnify the amplitude of the event”.  

“Making it two days will only increase that hype and standard - perhaps even putting it on par with Rhythm and Vines. It is already a very artistic city and EA’s larger scale will only continue to highlight and showcase that to the rest of the country,” Ryburn said. 

Finnie shared the same sentiment, as she explained that by establishing and nurturing local events such as EA, Christchurch can use it as a springboard to advertise itself as a cultural hub. 

“The event's success not only boosts the city's reputation as a cultural destination but also attracts a diverse audience, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive cultural scene in Christchurch,” Finnie said. 

Whatever genre of music one may enjoy the most, there is no denying that 2025 will be Electric Avenue’s biggest to date and will certainly shift the bar upwards for the festivals that follow.