Matakanarama has grown from a backyard party to a fully fledged music festival with over 80 artists

Putting on a music festival is not an easy undertaking. Three years ago a group of mates in their early 20s did just that. The event pulled 350 attendees in what was essentially a new years party with a bunch of bands.

But the organisers had the ambition and the self-belief to take it further. Fast forward and the event has grown. The 26/27 event has evolved to become a legitimate music festival hosting 2,500 attendees, 250 staff and more than 80 artists across three stages.

And today, Matakanarama has announced the lineup for its upcoming instalment. Bringing together a broad lineup of performers, representing a snapshot of the local music scene and artists from overseas. Strap yourself in because it's about to get a little wild.

Matakanarama's growth shows what self-belief and a can-do attitude can achieve. Starting with an idea and the drive to make it happen, the team has built an event that is expanding year on year. In an economic environment that presents unfavourable conditions for many job seeking young people, the success of the festival proves that opportunities do exist, they just require a bit of tenacity and street smarts to unlock.

Only in its third year, Matakanarama is an excellent example of what can happen when a group of mates back an ambitious idea and put in the work to make it happen.