Music Industry News

Hometown heroes Drax Project are set to make history as the first act to perform at Te Whare Whakarauika | Wellington Town Hall when the doors officially reopen on Saturday 20 February 2027, marking the first event in the iconic venue since its closure for refurbishment 13 years ago.

The landmark concert will honour Wellington’s rich cultural and musical legacy, with Drax Project returning to the city where they first captivated audiences as buskers on central Wellington’s streets, before launching a career that would see them become one of New Zealand’s most successful acts.

Joining them on the bill is one of the city’s most beloved global names, Bret McKenzie, who will open the evening alongside his eight-piece Wellington-based band, The State Highway Wonders.

Tickets go on sale at midday Friday 19 June.

The show will also feature a host of surprise special guests throughout the night, including some of Drax Project’s favourite collaborators, inspirations and friends, creating a uniquely Wellington occasion and a celebration of the wider New Zealand music whānau.

For Drax Project, being invited to reopen the historic 122-year-old building is a true full-circle moment as they explain

“This is going to be a very special gig for us! We all met while at uni here and Wellington is where we got our start. The Town Hall closed before Drax became a thing, but playing there is something we’ve always dreamt of doing as a band.”

Since emerging from Wellington’s busking scene, Drax Project have built an international career that has seen them amass nearly a billion streams resulting in 34 Platinum certifications globally. Renowned for their live show, they have toured extensively across the world including sharing stages with Ed Sheeran, Christina Aguilera, Camilla Cabello and George Clinton. Though their music has sustained international success, Wellington remains at the heart of the band’s story, making their return to reopen one of the capital’s most treasured venues a fitting homecoming.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this historic night.

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Photo credit: Maeve O’Connell