Nestled between the undulating waves and the urban pulse of Wellington’s waterfront, the Jim Beam Homegrown festival unfurled like a technicolor dream, painting the city in hues of sonic bliss. This wasn’t just any Saturday; it was a day where the air pumped with the heartbeat of New Zealand’s music scene, pulling in a throng of over 20,000 souls from every corner of the country, including a lively contingent from Porirua, each one chasing the euphoria that only live music can deliver.

This year, Homegrown wasn’t just a festival; it was a rebellion against the mundane, a manifesto of musical diversity that echoed through the Wellington waterfront. The lineup was a heady mix of reggae, hip-hop, rock, and electronic vibes, showcasing local legends and fresh faces alike. From the sultry melodies of Bic Runga to the raw energy of Homebrew, from the soulful harmonies of Ladi6 to the charismatic presence of Stan Walker, the festival was a continuous stream of moments that felt like they were engineered in the stars.

The festival landscape was a marvel of logistical artistry, with five stages strategically peppered along the waterfront, creating a sprawling canvas for attendees to paint their day with the colours of their musical tastes. The layout facilitated a seamless flow of energy, ensuring that everyone could vibe with their preferred soundscapes. The crowd, a mosaic of festival fashion, radiated the kind of joy that’s contagious, with faces from Porirua beaming in the collective euphoria.