January 4, 2023
Tim Gow’s cattle appear to like rock music so they’re in for a massive treat when Jon Toogood turns up to headline his Revitalize Festival today.
Run for three days from January 2 to 4, the event known as the “coolest little music festival” on the edge of Fiordland is a massive supporter of New Zealand music.
Gow is probably not regarded as your average farmer, nor is he your likely festival promoter but word of his festival that is run on his western Southland farm and in his woolshed is steadily growing.
The quote goes “if it’s good enough for Don, it’s good enough for Jon”.
The Don, refers to singer Don McGlashan who played in 2022 and told Gow to keep the dates of the event the same, and he would help to spread the word.
That’s how Gow ended up receiving a call from Toogood saying he was interested in coming south to perform.
Mangapiri Downs Organic stud farm owner and Revitalize Festival promoter Tim Gow (KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF)
Gow and his wife Helen run Mangapiri Downs Organic stud farm, and they also run the entire 469ha with electric vehicles.
It was the electric vehicles that formed the basis of the festival after they hosted an EV event on the farm in 2019. Gow decided to make a day of it and invited musicians.
The three-day festival combines music with holistic and healing workshops.
In 2022 the festival featured in a national travel magazine, and that had helped to lift its profile, along with support from economic agency Great South to promote it further, Gow said.
However, he doesn’t want it to grow to a massive event and for it to lose what makes it special.
Olivia Bayne relaxes under the stunning setting of the Takitimu Mountains at the Revitalize Festival. (KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF)
The festival has exceeded his expectations but what he likes most about it is supporting Southland and New Zealand musicians.
“The musicians are really supportive, and will help newer artists who are perhaps performing for the first time in front of 10,000 watts.”
Revitalize Festival promoter Tim Gow is a supporter of New Zealand music and entices musicians each year to western Southland. (KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF)
To date, the festivals have cost him money to run, but he figures by the next one or two he will be breaking even as it steadily grows.
As for the sheep on the farm, Gow said they tended to prefer the more melodic music at the festival.
It’s fair to say they might also be in for a surprise also when Toogood takes to the stage at 1pm.
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Article repeated from Stuff: Southland reporter 11:19, Jan 04 2023
