The end of the Parachute Christian music festival has led to a new beginning for the organisation, the founder says.
The festival was enjoyed by thousands over its 24 years as an annual fixture at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek.
Its cancellation was announced in March as it was no longer financially viable, Parachute chief executive and festival founder Mark de Jong said.
However there might be more to come from the organisation.
“The team at Parachute is also enjoying working through ideas and possibilities for another major event – watch this space,” de Jong said in an email to supporters.
Since the festival cancellation the organisation had been “blown away” by messages of support, and a new two-brand organisational structure has recently been announced.
“For the first time in over a decade, we’ve been able to pause and start building the future,” de Jong said.
Parachute Music will continue as a not-for-profit charity.
It will include an artist development initiative, Parachute Studios, noise training initiatives and future events.
It will also be an advocate for Christian musicians.
The second brand is Smoke, touted as a “new, mainstream-facing commercial entity”.
It will take care of artist management and house Smoke Studios, a creative collective for commercial music and radio jingles.
Two tours featuring Parachute-linked artists are being developed.
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– Waikato
