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George FM's Waiohika Warmup Wildcard DJ Comp

A DJ performs on stage for a large crowd at night, with text promoting George FM's Waiohika Warmup and a Wildcard DJ Comp with two stages and two winners on December 28.

George FM is absolutely gassed to present Rhythm & Vines Chapter 24: The Final Dance in Gisborne!

The George FM Waiohika Wildcard returns for 2026, with Rhythm & Vines and George FM once again giving emerging DJs the opportunity to earn their place on the Waiohika Warmup lineup. Waiohika Warmup is the official campers' opening night of Rhythm & Vines going down on December 28th, bringing two stages to life and setting the tone for four nights at Waiohika Estate.

UK bass heavyweight HAMDI was announced as the Waiohika Warmup headliner on the first release announced in July, as part of the festival's first lineup release. The full Waiohika Warmup lineup will be revealed on George FM on Friday, September 4.

For the first time we’ve got two epic prizes up for grabs for two aspiring DJ’s including the chance to play on Cellar Stage and Rhythm Stage!

Listen to George FM Nights with Rangi from 7pm on August 31st as 4 of the best Cellar Stage mix submissions (as chosen by the judging panel) will go head-to-head in Semi final heats. The winner of each heat will be determined by the number of votes received on the text machine during the voting window (1 text vote per person). The two Cellar Stage finalists will then go head-to-head on September 1st with the overall winner being announced by Rangi during George Nights!

Then listen again on September 2nd as 4 of the best Rhythm Stage mix submissions (as chosen by the judging panel) will go head-to-head in Semi final heats. The winner of each heat will be determined by the number of votes received on the text machine during the voting window (1 text vote per person). The two Rhythm Stage finalists will then go head-to-head on September 3rd with the overall winner being announced by Rangi during George Nights!

DATES:

Rhythm & Vines 2026

75 Waimata Valley Road, Gisborne

Dec 28th 2026 - Jan 1st 2027

TICKETS:

Rhythm & Vines - Here

The winner(s) will receive:

A DJ performs on a wooden outdoor stage featuring large orange LED screens, with a crowd watching, and a "CELLAR STAGE" banner in the foreground.

Cellar Stage Winner

45min Performance set aton Rhythm stage on December 28

4 x Premium Camp | 4 Day Camping & Festival Pass

4 x Add-On | 3 Day Vintage Club VIP Upgrade

1 x Add-On | Bookatent 4 Person Canvas Prem-Tent - Premium Camp

3 x Guest Passes to host friends backstage during their set

1 x $250 Wayver Credit

1 x R&V Merch Pack

Rhythm Stage Winner

45min Performance set aton Rhythm stage on December 28

4 x Premium Camp | 4 Day Camping & Festival Pass

4 x Add-On | 3 Day Vintage Club VIP Upgrade

1 x Add-On | Bookatent 4 Person Canvas Prem-Tent - Premium Camp

3 x Guest Passes to host friends backstage during their set

1 x $250 Wayver Credit

1 x R&V Merch Pack

WILDCARD DJ COMP:

Cellar Stage Semi Finals: Monday August 31st - From 7pm

Cellar Stage Final: Tuesday September 1st - From 7pm

Rhythm Stage Semi Finals: Wednesday September 2nd - From 7pm

Rhythm Stage Final: Thursday September 3rd - From 7pm

MINI MIX ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED

CELLAR STAGE SEMI FINALISTS: Reddy4aBass

Disco Biscuit

Quest

Lesnack

RHYTHM STAGE SEMI FINALISTS: DLTO

TANDEM

2FLY

TITO DON