Double Blow for Splore: Headliner Röyksopp Pulls Out Ahead of Final Festival
By Lions Roar News Entertainment & Culture Desk
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (January 7, 2026) — The upcoming Splore Festival, which recently announced that its 2026 edition would be its last, has been dealt another setback. Organizers confirmed today that the highly anticipated Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp has cancelled their headline appearances at both Splore and Christchurch’s Electric Avenue.
The Grammy-nominated act’s withdrawal is being described by Splore organizers as a “curveball” that “hurts,” coming at a time when the festival is already navigating a bittersweet farewell.
🎶 The Replacement: French House Legend Steps In
While the loss of Röyksopp is a disappointment for fans, Splore has moved quickly to fill the gap on the main stage.
- The New Headliner: Legendary French house DJ François K (François Kevorkian) has been confirmed as the replacement.
- Electric Avenue Status: The Christchurch festival also confirmed the cancellation due to “circumstances outside of our control” and is expected to announce its own replacement artist shortly.
🏟️ The End of an Era: Why Splore is Closing
The news follows the December announcement that the February 2026 event will be the final chapter for the long-running festival. Founded in 1998 and hosted at the picturesque Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Splore has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s summer culture for over two decades.
Founder John Minty cited several factors for the closure:
- Economic Pressures: Post-Covid postponements and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have severely impacted ticket sales.
- Lack of Government Funding: Despite a “very persuasive application” for the Government’s $70 million Event Boost Fund, the festival did not receive the support it hoped for.
- Market Trends: 2024 saw the first significant dip in ticket sales in the festival’s history.
🗓️ The Final Celebration: February 27–28
Despite the recent “curveball,” the final Splore is set to be a massive celebration of its legacy.
- Dates: February 27 – 28, 2026
- Location: Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Auckland
- Other Headliners: Jamaican dancehall legend Sister Nancy and UK downtempo pioneer Nightmares on Wax.
Meanwhile, South Island fans can still catch Split Enz (reformed) and Dom Dolla at Electric Avenue in Hagley Park on the same dates.
