Auckland’s Laneway Festival 2025: The Laneway Festival is a highly anticipated annual event for music enthusiasts in Auckland, showcasing a distinctive mix of indie, pop, and alternative music performances. However, a recent announcement has left young fans and festival attendees in disbelief, as the festival organizers have confirmed that individuals under the age of 18 will be prohibited from attending the 2025 edition.
This decision follows the Auckland District Licensing Committee’s denial of the festival’s request to permit 16- and 17-year-olds, leading to significant frustration and disappointment among those who had already secured tickets.
The prohibition of under-18 attendees at the 2025 Laneway Festival has ignited considerable outrage, especially among those who had arranged travel, secured accommodations, and looked forward to enjoying the festival with friends.
This sudden alteration, occurring just weeks prior to the event, has left many feeling emotionally distressed, particularly since tickets for this age group were sold months earlier. For those affected, the situation has become a significant concern, as they now face financial losses.
The Decision to Exclude Under-18s
The debate surrounding Auckland’s Laneway Festival 2025 arises from the Auckland District Licensing Committee’s denial of its application to permit the attendance of 16- and 17-year-olds at the event. Although the festival has a history of welcoming younger audiences, including the successful integration of under-18s at the 2024 event through designated alcohol-free areas, the request for 2025 was ultimately declined.
This decision has disappointed many, particularly those who regard the festival as a significant rite of passage, providing the chance to experience some of the finest musical talent in a lively and dynamic setting.
The festival organizers made commendable efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for their younger attendees. For the 2024 event, they collaborated with local authorities and specialists to create alcohol-free zones specifically for under-18s. This meticulous planning enabled young festival-goers to appreciate the music without the risks associated with alcohol consumption. However, the Auckland District Licensing Committee determined that this arrangement was neither sustainable nor safe, resulting in the rejection of the application for 2025.
The Emotional Response from Under-18s
The recent decision has understandably left numerous young fans feeling devastated. Several individuals who purchased tickets took to social media to voice their anger and disappointment, criticizing the organizers for what they perceive as a misguided choice.
Many had already arranged their travel plans, including flights and accommodations. For some, the tickets were meant as gifts for birthdays or Christmas, further intensifying their sense of letdown.
One young fan lamented on social media, “This was a birthday present for my sister, and now she is utterly heartbroken. Shame on you!” Another individual shared their frustration: “We have already invested hundreds of dollars in flights, and now we are being informed that we cannot attend. How is this fair?” The announcement’s timing, occurring merely five days before Christmas, left many feeling caught off guard.
Numerous ticket holders contended that they would have preferred a more transparent communication regarding the festival’s position prior to making such significant commitments.
Auckland’s Laneway Festival 2025: The Festival’s Response and Refund Process
In response to the recent decision, the festival organizers extended their apologies to the ticket-holders impacted by the situation and announced that refunds would be facilitated through Ticketek. These refunds will be processed from January 6 to January 18, 2025, with a temporary suspension during the holiday season.
Although the organizers have conveyed their regret regarding the circumstances, they seem constrained by the ruling of the licensing committee. They recognized the difficulties this presents for individuals who have already made considerable financial and personal commitments to attend the festival.
The festival’s statement indicated, “We collaborated closely with the Police, Alcohol Licensing Inspectors, and the Medical Officer of Health in good faith throughout the application process and did not foresee this disappointing outcome.”
They also expressed optimism that younger fans would have the opportunity to participate in future editions of the festival, despite the current challenges. Additionally, the organizers expressed gratitude to attendees for their understanding and patience as they navigated this situation.
The Role of the Auckland District Licensing Committee
To understand the reasoning behind the decision, it is crucial to analyze the function of the Auckland District Licensing Committee in overseeing public events. The committee’s foremost priority is to ensure the safety of participants, especially in contexts involving alcohol.
In their assessment, the committee determined that the configuration of last year’s festival, which included separate areas for attendees under 18 and those over 18, was ineffective. There were significant issues with the movement of individuals between these sections, and instances of alcohol being discovered in areas not designated for its consumption were reported.
Moreover, although the committee recognized that the number of intoxicated individuals requiring medical attention in 2024 was minimal, they expressed ongoing concerns regarding the risk of alcohol-related harm. The committee also highlighted the phenomenon of “preloading,” where attendees consume alcohol prior to arriving at the event, which presents safety hazards for both under-18 and over-18 participants. The ruling emphasized that the decision was made with the welfare of all festival attendees in mind, particularly to mitigate the exposure of minors to alcohol-related dangers.
In spite of these difficulties, the committee suggested that there remains potential for future attendance of under-18 individuals at the festival. They indicated that if the organizers could prove their ability to manage the event effectively, including the control of intoxication levels, there might be an opportunity for the festival to seek an R16 designation in the future.
The Public’s Reaction to the Decision
The decision has elicited a variety of responses from the public, as anticipated. Older attendees of the festival, particularly those aged 18 and older, have shown support for the new policy, asserting that it would enhance both safety and the overall atmosphere of the event.
Numerous individuals expressed concerns regarding the risks associated with the presence of under-18s in a setting that includes individuals who may be intoxicated. One participant, who chose to remain unnamed, contended that prohibiting those under 18 would indeed elevate the quality of the event, especially in terms of safety.
“Attendees can consume their drinks in designated areas without the need to navigate through crowds, which contributes to a more seamless and secure experience,” they remarked. Another advocate for the policy noted that large festivals can be particularly daunting for younger individuals, especially when they find themselves among inebriated adults.
A Shift in Festival Culture
The decision may have disappointed some individuals; however, it prompts significant inquiries regarding the changing landscape of festivals and the duty of organizers to safeguard their participants. Events such as Laneway are intended to celebrate music, creativity, and culture, yet they must also prioritize the safety and welfare of all attendees.
As festivals expand in scale and popularity, organizers are required to navigate new challenges, including the need to balance access for younger audiences with the management of potential risks related to alcohol consumption and crowd behavior.
The discussion surrounding the attendance of individuals under 18 at festivals like Laneway is not confined to Auckland. Many festivals worldwide have encountered similar dilemmas in recent years, with some choosing to prohibit underage attendees altogether.
The ruling by the Auckland District Licensing Committee aligns with a broader trend of increasing regulations surrounding public events aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from harm. While this may appear unfair to some, especially those who had already arranged to attend, it reflects a wider initiative to foster safer and more inclusive environments for all.
Expert Editorial Comment
Auckland’s Laneway Festival 2025 is poised to present an impressive array of performers, with British pop sensation Charli XCX serving as the headliner. Charli’s recent achievements, particularly with her album “Brat,” have positioned her as one of the most prominent artists of the year.
The lineup also includes notable acts such as Clairo, Beabadoobee, Remi Wolf, and Olivia Dean, promising a remarkable experience for attendees.
Although this year’s festival will be restricted to individuals aged 18 and older, there is optimism that the organizers will explore options to include younger fans in future events. It is evident that Laneway is dedicated to providing an exceptional live music experience for its audience, even if it necessitates making challenging choices.
Ultimately, while the exclusion of under-18s from the 2025 Laneway Festival may evoke disappointment, it is essential to understand the larger context. This decision, although difficult for many, is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the safety of all participants, a consideration that must always be prioritized at large public gatherings.
Auckland’s Laneway Festival 2025: A Disappointing Blow for Under-18 Ticket-Holders