George FM's Waiohika Warmup Wildcard DJ Comp

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! Submit your 12 minute mix below, entries close Wednesday 26th August at 11:59pm. 

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:

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:

Entries Open: Monday August 17th - 5pm

Entries Close: Wednesday August 26th - 11:59pm

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

SUBMIT YOUR 12 MINUTE MINI MIX HERE

-Mixes must be longer than 11 minutes and no longer than 12 minutes

-Mixes must be uploaded as a .MP3 file

-You can only enter one mix for this Competition