November 26, 2025
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 12pm to 12am, the homegrown festival is shaping up to be one of Mid Canterbury’s standout events heading into summer.
Hosts Richard and Chrissie Wright said 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 event leans into country rock - fitting for a rural event where cowboy boots- and maybe even the odd pair of red band gumboots - will fit right in. 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.
By Claire Inkson
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 12pm to 12am, the homegrown festival is shaping up to be one of Mid Canterbury’s standout events heading into summer.
Hosts Richard and Chrissie Wright said 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 event leans into country rock - fitting for a rural event where cowboy boots- and maybe even the odd pair of red band gumboots - will fit right in. 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.
By Claire Inkson
