One Love Festival Postponed to 2027 Amid Economic Concerns and Ownership Shifts
The One Love Festival,New Zealand‘s largest reggae music event,will not take place in 2026,as organizers cite ongoing economic challenges and internal restructuring. the announcement, made Tuesday night via social media, marks a significant setback for the popular Tauranga-based festival and its dedicated fanbase.
Organizers explained that the decision followed a “careful review” of several challenging circumstances. “with the cost-of-living crisis ongoing – and more than 80% of our audience travelling for two days – we know the strain this puts on household budgets,” a statement read. “we hoped for a strong economic recovery heading into 2026, but that hasn’t happened.”
The festival had previously announced plans to reveal the 2026 lineup and dates in September, but those plans were ultimately abandoned. Organizers considered a scaled-down, one-day event as an alternative, but ultimately determined it wouldn’t meet the standards expected by attendees. “As we take this pause, please know that we are continuing to work diligently on what comes next,” the post assured fans, expressing optimism for a return in 2027.
Beyond the economic headwinds, the festival is also navigating significant changes behind the scenes. Organizers alluded to “significant structural changes,” including shifts in ownership and directorship, aimed at “restoring the festival’s legacy.” Thes transitions, they emphasized, are intended to ensure the long-term viability of the event.
The announcement also addressed recent public discussion surrounding Pato Alvarez, the festival’s former owner.Alvarez sold One Love in 2022, and organizers were keen to clarify his current involvement. “Pato had a number of obligations to complete under the contracted handover process. These were fully met and finalised. We want to reassure you all that he is not involved with One Love Festival in any capacity,” the statement affirmed.
However, Alvarez’s past has resurfaced in recent legal proceedings. Court documents reveal he was convicted in 2023 of indecent assault and attempted unlawful sexual connection against an adult babysitter. The current owners of One Love purchased the festival from Alvarez in 2021.
Earlier this year, the new ownership group sought to appeal a court decision regarding suppression orders, which prevented the publication of their names and those of four associated businesses. they argued that the High Court Judge “inexplicably” failed to extend the order to include One Love, suggesting the festival’s reputation would suffer due to its connection to Alvarez. The Supreme Court ultimately declined the appeal in early September, stating that “One Love was purchased despite knowing that Mr Alvarez-Riveros had been charged with sexual offences.”
The situation highlights the complex challenges facing the festival, balancing economic realities with reputational concerns and internal restructu
Why did it end? The One Love Festival was postponed to 2027 due to a combination of economic challenges, specifically the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impacting attendees’ ability to travel, and internal restructuring following a change in ownership.
Who is involved? key figures include the current owners of One Love Festival, who sought to suppress facts linking the festival to former owner Pato Alvarez, and Alvarez himself, who was convicted of sexual offenses in 2023. The festival’s dedicated fanbase is also significantly impacted.
What happened?
