Mark your calendars for Saturday, 10th May 2025 and buy your discounted early bird tickets now! Children under 16 FREE!

The Hororātā Glow Festival returns for its 5th event, promising an unforgettable evening of wonder and entertainment that has made it a must-attend event in Waikirikiri Selwyn. The 2023 festival was completely sold out, so don’t miss your chance to experience the magic in 2025!

This year, the festival continues to offer a rare and immersive experience that brings the community and visitors together. “Our community loves welcoming people to the Hororātā Glow Festival. Each year, we strive to create new experiences that will delight the young and the young at heart,” shares Cindy Driscoll from the Hororātā Community Trust, which collaborates with Ballooning Canterbury to stage this iconic event.

Why Come to the Hororātā Glow Festival? The Hororātā Glow Festival is more than an event; it’s an immersive experience that embodies the heart of rural Waikirikiri Selwyn. This is your opportunity to:

• Witness the Magic of Hot Air Balloons: Balloonists from around New Zealand join Ballooning Canterbury to bring you a spectacular hot air balloon night glow. Marvel as hot air balloons inflate like giant lanterns and glow rhythmically to music during the breathtaking Night Glow performance. As a special treat, a brand-new special shape hot air balloon will make its debut at the festival.

• Engage in Unique Experiences: Arrive early to walk through a cold-inflated balloon and chat with pilots to learn about the fascinating art of ballooning. These interactive experiences are a rare opportunity to connect with the world of hot air ballooning.

• Experience Unforgettable Live Music: Aōtearoa-based, Scottish-born Karra Rhodes is a rising country artist blending heartfelt country tones with a pop edge. Inspired by Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood, her songs are honest and real, evoking smiles, reflection, and tears. Don’t miss the chance to hear her perform tracks from her debut album, Hometown Therapy, alongside her latest single, Tell Me Mama, with a full band behind her! More announcements to follow for other musical acts. 

• Discover Something Magical Around Every Corner: Explore the enchanting UV art zone, the magical fairy tree and garden, and enjoy fun rides on the Noddy Train. Don’t miss the fun and sometimes wacky interactive science demonstrations with the University of Canterbury. The festival is packed with surprises and activities for all ages.

• Enjoy Local Flavours and Shopping: Indulge in a wide variety of food and beverage options and shop at stalls offering unique items and winter staples. Applications for stallholders are now open—apply online.

A Festival Powered by Community With the support of over 130 volunteers, the Hororātā Glow Festival is a testament to the spirit of collaboration. It provides a platform for local community groups to fundraise, with all profits going toward developing the new Hororātā Community Hall project. This event not only brings joy but also strengthens the fabric of the community.

Don’t Miss Out The Hororātā Glow Festival is the only event of its kind in the South Island, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. A limited number of discounted Early Bird tickets are available now.

Tickets must be purchased online, and there will be no gate sales. Kids under 16 attend free but we ask you to claim a ticket for them so we can manage numbers!

Note: we have a postponement date of Sunday 11th May in case the weather is not favourable on the 10th. See our website for more details. 

Secure your tickets CLICK HERE