Street festivals have historic origins and the Cross Street Festival really was about the music. It somehow manages to catch the haphazard chaos of a vibrant Saturday night Karangahape Road and yet complement the imposing city buildings which dominate this backroad. Its advertising is markedly vibrant, and it’s a festival I always hope to get along to. It helps that it’s also a 10-minute drive from home. After a Summer that’s felt a bit upside down and where many events have been cancelled or postponed, it’s great to see this little one-of-a-kind festival go ahead. 

You got the feeling you are entering a wonderland when you arrive' it felt homely and welcoming, which can’t be said for many events of this size. Most of the road was closed off and the pavements were transformed into bars, eateries and stalls. It’s quite a feat and it was pulled off wonderfully. A bustling, diverse crowd sat around on benches, beanbags or danced next to the stage. I was over the moon to find a Saison on tap, and more importantly, rarely a queue at the well-staffed event.

This event began in the late afternoon and the sunshine filtered through street providing an inimitable late Summer relaxing vibe. Each and every band stood for themselves, the line-up was excellent with so much homegrown talent. Often you go to festivals for one or two bands, touring around different stages and trying to navigate clashes. The good thing about Cross Street is that it is pocket sized - if you want food you can watch performances from the tables, and if you are set on drinking and dancing the night away then the front row beckons; that’s the best place to be to experience the whole day and evening of excellent musicians.

The stand out acts for me were Mazbou Q, who brought great energy and pace to the night. Makeshift Parachutes blend of psychedelic indie rock was a true delight. There were big breaks and crushing lows from Samoan singer/songwriter Mema Wilda as she added captivating magic to the event. Meanwhile Magic Factory filled the stage to cheers from the audience with their excellent guitar riffage and mix of punk, country, and blues. There was an incredible line-up of bands and it all seemed to be seamlessly put together. It was clear the audience were having a great time.

Cross Street Festival is a grown-up little festival. It is fun, fast paced, and full of good music. If Cross Street did clothes or cake, I’d buy them both. It's excellently curated and made for celebrating music.

• 1
  L.A.B.
• 2
  Written By Wolves
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Devilskin
• 5
  Mi-Sex
• 6
  Sir Dave Dobbyn
• 7
  The Bads
• 8
  Katchafire
• 9
  Stellar*
• 10
  Blindspott

• 
  Ms. Mia & Clarissa Chai @ Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland - 17/03/2023
• 
  Goodspace @ Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland - 17/03/2023
• 
  Club Ruby @ Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland - 17/03/2023
• 
  Myshelle @ Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland - 17/03/2023

• 1
  BOY'S A LIAR PT. 2
  PinkPantheress And Ice Spice
• 2
  FLOWERS
  Miley Cyrus
• 3
  DIE FOR YOU (REMIX)
  The Weeknd And Ariana Grande
• 4
  KILL BILL
  SZA
• 5
  LAST NIGHT
  Morgan Wallen
• 6
  SURE THING
  Miguel
• 7
  PEOPLE
  Libianca
• 8
  ESCAPISM.
  RAYE feat. 070 Shake
• 9
  PLAYERS
  Coi Leray
• 10
  AS IT WAS
  Harry Styles

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