The Tamar Party in the Paddock returns to Mt Somers this Saturday, bringing a full day of country music, community spirit and relaxed rural fun to Tamar Farm. Running from 12 pm to 12 am on November 22, the homegrown festival is shaping up to be one of Mid Canterbury’s standout events heading into summer.

Hosts Richard and Chrissie Wright say last year’s inaugural festival exceeded expectations and created a buzz that carried long after the music stopped.

The idea for the event was first sparked when their daughter visited the iconic Glastonbury Festival in the UK, held on a working farm.

“We were going to have a party anyway because we had been here 25 years,” Richard said. “We had talked about it since Covid, and after our daughter went to Glastonbury we thought, why not do our own version. Now we call it our mini Glastonbury.”

With around 1500 through the gates, last year’s success confirmed that the community wanted more.

“We had such good feedback,” Richard said. “People kept saying how much they enjoyed the day out and how relaxed it felt. We always thought we would do another one, and the support from last year pretty much confirmed it for us.”

This year all proceeds will go to the Opuke Innovation Hub in Methven, which will give local youth practical access to trades and agricultural skills.

“We are really passionate about giving young people opportunities,” Richard said. “If we can help get the Innovation Hub off the ground, that is something we are proud to support.”

The 2025 line-up celebrates Canterbury talent, with Ashburton singer Molly Harrison, Christchurch artist Steffany Beck and her band, and the Brad Staley Trio from Tekapo performing across the afternoon and evening.

“We wanted to keep it local and support Canterbury musicians,” Richard said. “They are all talented and they know the crowd.”

Families will be well catered for thanks to a dedicated kids zone with bouncy castles, mini jeeps and plenty of space to explore.

“Farming is about families. We want parents to feel they can bring the kids for the day and everyone has a good time,” Richard said.

Festival-goers can bring their own food and drinks, provided there is no glass.

There will also be food vendors on site.

Camping and campervan parking are available for a small fee, with portaloos onsite and a coffee vendor the next morning.

“It is a low-key, relaxed night and it works really well for people who do not want to drive home late,” Richard said.

For Richard, the event is about more than hosting a party. “We believe if you want a good community you have to contribute to it. Opening the gates and getting people together is part of that.”

Tickets are available through iTICKET, with adult admission $80, children $15 and a family combo $150. On-site parking  is free, and camping is $10 per adult, and no dogs are allowed.

“It is a good, simple country day out,” Richard said. “If people leave feeling like they have had a great time and we can raise money for the Innovation Hub, then that is what it is all about.”

Tamar Party in a Paddock: all you need to know

Date:

Saturday, November 22, 2025

12 pm to 12 am

Location:

Tamar Farm, 544 Lochheads Road, Mount Somers

Tickets:

Adult $80

Child $15

Family combo $150

Parking Free

Camping: $10 per adult

Tickets available from iTICKET

No Dogs: No dogs allowed on the farm

No Glass: BYO food and drinks, but no glass permitted

On-site Options: Camping and campervan parking available

By Claire Inkson