Two Nights. Three Days. Tora Bombora
Words by Hannah Powell. Images by Java Katzur.
We rounded the corner in Kirsty’s Toyota, and there she was: the Tora coast. Bright blue sky awash with afternoon haze, a scape of golden hills and rugged sea. As we cruised down the gravel to arrive at the site, we passed There’s a Tuesday, grinning as they stuck a thumb out to catch a ride. “Car’s full!” we replied, laughing out. Vans dotted the road behind us; I saw tents being set up on the surrounding hills. Goodbye city life, I thought. Welcome to Tora Bombora.
Held on the Tora Coast, Wairarapa, Tora Bombora’s got some “damn good music, some damn good artists, and a solid community” to boot, festival director Louis said in our interview last year. So, with forty-five minutes to the nearest shop, and not a cell phone bar in sight, there was nothing else but to enjoy what was in front of you. Louis Murphy Harris, well, that man spoke the truth. Music, artists, and a welcoming community ticked the boxes and then some. A virgin attendee like myself, I was beyond stoked with the setup. And with Java, Alex, Frankie and I there having a boogie, the festival went down a treat.
Dusk was received by MC Phanny at 7.30pm, followed by an all-attendees gather up to welcome the festival. HUMMUCIDE brought in the smooth tunes to get the juices flowing, with Nicholas Franchise taking the stage around 10pm. Primed for the soulful skank of Newtown Rocksteady, a 13-piece dub ‘n’ roots band from Wellington, grooves were as hard-boiled as the grins encouraged. No one could stop those dancing feet. House-lords Sounds of the Local sent off the night, and shapes were undoubtedly cut into the wee hours of the morn.
A special moment? Watching a trail of satellites dance across the sky as nicholas Franchise opened their set with the Interstellar theme tune. I thought I was tripping balls. Alas, it was real, due to the multitude of pointing fingers towards the starry sky. Nicely done, nicholas Franchise, very nicely done. The universe aligned for you. However, the universe didn’t align for everyone. I woke up on the Saturday morning to find my tent broken in three different places due to high winds from the night before. In a note of advice, bring a sturdy tent and tie down that gazebo – unless you want it hurtling towards your neighbour’s tent at midnight. Wind makes people hot and bothered, so come prepared.
Saturday began with a barista-made coffee, a piece of PB sourdough toast, and a walk to the beach. The overcast day didn’t dampen the mood. There’s a Tuesday played a dreamy set at noon, as did Juno Is after. People climbed to the top of the hill, while others had a lazy drink, myself included, at the bottom. Everybody got into their afternoon groove with MamaZita and beloved duo Nic & Reuben, followed by a chilled-out set by Welly locals Heavy Chest. Mini Simmons hit the stage with rock and roll, followed by The Butler’s who set the tone for the night’s agenda. Highlights included Soaked Oats onstage to the backdrop of a bright orange sunset, a reminder of the magic of live music outdoors.
My personal favourite was H4LF CAST. The band brought everyone together with a set supercharged by the wind. Power, vulnerability, strength, and love were performed in a single set; the crowd was swept up in a stunning performance by Nikau and the band. There was a mystical presence being so close to mountain and sea, with spiritual awakenings blooming within the crowd. Talking to Java at the end, she said “H4LF CĀST’s performance was truly magical. I watched from the back and took it all in; the wind really added something next level to the whole thing.”
We took a quick breather until headliner Sola Rosa brought out an array of full-bellied funky beats. Dancing shoes were laced tight, as 121 Soundsystem tied up the night.
With three food trucks selling tasty fare, and BYO food Tora Bombora felt much like a camping trip with your friends – but better. With a zero-waste policy, it was bring-your-own, take-your-own. It was simple – just pack a keep cup, cutlery, and a container for next time. Plus, the recycling station was a breeze on the Sunday.
A little highlight to add was Poneke’s Mouthfull tent. Java thought the Mouthfull tent was epic, regardless of the tent blowing away in the wind the Friday night. Up and ready the next day, she says “It’s always a great place to relax and slow down during a festival”.
After brunching on O & the Mo’s soothing tunes, Sunday morning was a slow goodbye. I became aware of the fact I would make it my mission to bring a van next year – a broken tent was enough for me, as was my growing van envy. But, two days without cell phone reception was a treat, as was the scenic views. There was minimal motivation to return to the city. But alas, we did, rounding the corner in Kirsty’s Toyota, feasting on the feeling of bliss.