JNGL25 is coming: Northern Bass announces major format change for 25/26

After 13 unforgettable years of delivering one of Aotearoa's most loved New Year's festivals, Northern Bass is shifting gears.

This summer, Northern Bass will press pause on the traditional three-day, three-stage format and reimagine what the event looks like for 2025/26. The festival will return as NORTHERN BASS JNGL25, a tighter, more focused two-day experience, centred around the iconic Jungle Stage and with more stage and entertainment details to come.

This evolution allows the team to double down on what makes Northern Bass truly special: the energy, the vibe, the music, the production values, and the deep connection with its community.

"Last summer was a high point," says Festival Director Gareth Popham. "But behind the scenes, the squeeze was real. Attendance didn't quite hit the mark, and with the continued rise in production costs, it became clear that something had to change."

NB JNGL25 is not a step back - it's a pivot. Festivals worldwide are facing similar pressures: economic uncertainty, audience expectations, and the increasing cost of hosting large-scale events. For Northern Bass, this is an opportunity to adapt without compromise, protecting what matters most and shaping the future experience.

Important information:

In line with the updated format, ticketing is also shifting. As of 8am today, all sales have transitioned to the new NB JNGL25 ticketing model, with more affordable two-day and one-day passes replacing the original event tickets.

The capacity for NB JNGL25 will be strictly limited to 6,000 people, half the size of previous years, to ensure every attendee can fully experience the entire Jungle Stage. This reduced capacity is key to the reimagined format, meaning tickets are limited and will sell out quickly.

"We want to be clear," adds Popham. "If you already have a ticket, hold onto it; you're one of the lucky ones. And if you haven't bought one yet, don't wait. Once these are gone, they're gone."

This change isn't permanent.

Northern Bass remains committed to returning to its full three-day format when the time is right. For now, the focus is on delivering the same unforgettable energy in a refined and intimate setting.

If you've already purchased a ticket, thank you for supporting us early. You should have an email in your inbox with all the details on transferring your ticket, the amount of credit you are due, or how to request a full refund.

The full NB JNGL25 line-up will be announced at 5.30pm on Thursday, August 14.

Trust us, it will be something special.