GLOW FESTIVAL

Entertainment

The next Hororata Glow Festival will be held 10th May 2025.

This is a magical festival with a huge range of entertainment and activities!
Gates open 3pm and the festival will run til 8pm. The balloons could perform anytime from 5.30pm.

Click here to view programme

Note: this is subject to change

Entertainment 2025

  • Walk inside a cold inflated hot air balloon 3.00pm – 5.00pm (subject to weather). Free activity. This was popular last event, arrive early so not miss out. If the weather allows this activity may resume after the night glow.

  • From 3pm – 5pm ride in the Noddy Train with Sammy’s Rust n Custom
  • Learn the Science behind the balloons’ with University of Canterbury. Free activity.
  • Ballooning Canterbury’s interactive hot air ballooning area. Talk to the balloonists and get to see their baskets up close.
  • More FM UV Zone – Face painting, Glow mural and more. Free activity.
  • NEW: Wander through the Manawa Energy Glow Walk – an epic glowing wonderland. Open from 5pm – 8pm. Free activity.

  • Discover the night sky with the Canterbury Astronomical Society 

  • Mitre 10 Mega Warm Up zone – warm up and enter to win great prizes. Plus free balloon twisting for the kids!

  • Heaps of games and activities for all in the Event Hire glowing fairground 

  • Fairy Tree and Garden. Come dance with the Fairies in their magic land

  • Try Small Bore shooting with the Hororata Target Shooting Club in their rifle range

  • Enjoy the sampling food and wine in the Barn

  • Browse the stalls and stock your pantries for winter! Click here for stalls list.

  • Roving glowing peformers 

  • Find Relay Rail Dog and his True Life Charcater friends or the glowing fairies to have a photo with amongst the crowd

Live Music 

Craig Smith

Craig Smith, the Kiwi behind The Wonky Donkey, turned a folk song into a global hit children’s book loved for its catchy rhythm, humor, and heartwarming tale. Originally a musician, Craig’s creativity and determination led to the book’s worldwide success. Craig’s lively performances combine music and humor, captivating audiences of all ages.

Karra Rhodes

We are excited to announce Aōtearoa-based, Scottish-born Karra Rhodes, rising country artist will join us at the Hororata Glow Festival. Karra blends heartfelt country tones with a pop edge. Inspired by Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood, her songs evoke smiles, reflection, and tears.

Her latest single, Tell Me Mama, was a finalist at the 2024 MLT Songwriting Awards. With her debut album, Hometown Therapy, arriving mid-year and exciting shows ahead, Karra is set to make her mark in 2025. A natural storyteller, her songs are honest and real with a touch of grit that resonate deeply—don’t miss the chance to hear her tracks, both released and unreleased with the full band behind her!

One Night Band

We are One Night Band, a five-piece group formed this year through our studies at Ara Institute of Canterbury, where we’re pursuing a Bachelor of Jazz. Our lineup features Lexie Hurndell on lead vocals, Reuben Mannering on bass and backup vocals, Jakob Coleman on guitar, Vincent Aydon on keyboard, and Nicolai Didenco on drums.

Blending groovy funk with jazz influences, we’re all about getting people on their feet and spreading good vibes. Whether you’re a dancer, a toe-tapper, or just here for the music, we can’t wait to jam with you soon!

Colour in to WIN!

Colour in Owlbert to win tickets to the Hororata Highland Games and your very own Glow Crazy tee shirt! Entries must be handed in at the event, details on the sheet.

Click here to download a printable PDF. 

Pre order your Let’s Glow Crazy tee shirt!

These super cool tee shirts glow when charge by light. They are a limited edition and numbers will be limited. Make sure you don’t miss out and pre-order yours!

You can order by clicking the link below or when you order your tickets.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Note

*The Night Glow could happen anytime from 5.30pm, there is heaps happening in the lead up to this so we recommend arriving by 5pm to make sure you don’t miss anything. The balloons do not leave the ground at any point during the event. They will perform for 20 – 25 minutes.

If the balloons are unable to inflate due to wind or other weather they will perform a burner glow. The balloon walk through may be affected by the wind. All other activities will continue regardless of weather.

There are no refunds if the balloons cannot perform or the event is postponed.

Programme is subject to change.

More information

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Click here for videos of past festivals and follow us on Facebook for updates.