Future of Westfest 2016 Uncertain Following Cancellation of Soundwave

Following the cancellation of the 2016 Soundwave festival in Australia, the future of Auckland's own Westfest is now uncertain. The two festivals are not linked, however international acts billed for Westfest come to New Zealand off-the-back of the Aussie concert tour, which is known for bringing heavy hitting rock, punk and metal acts downunder.

Yesterday the Soundwave founder, music promoter AJ Maddah, announced the 2016 Soundwave festival would be cancelled due to poor ticket sales. The revelation came two days after the announcement that 2016 would be the final Soundwave.

I am devastated to have to announce the cancellation of Soundwave 16 due to poor ticket sales. I am very sorry. I tried my best. #SW16

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) December 17, 2015

Westfest is set to take place on the 30th January at Kumeu and feature perfomances from NOFX and Refused, who were also billed for Soundwave. The Westfest team have released a statement saying: "The international acts performing at WESTFEST 2016 were coming via Soundwave. WESTFEST are currently in discussion with the relevant acts and will make an official announcement soon."

Stay tuned for more information.