Machine Wreckers

The Machine Wreckers return to Fringe in the 'Stings with their idiosyncratic brand of instrumental psychedelic prog rock. With Willie D on turntable and keys, Kurt Yates on guitar, Adrian Thornton on bass and Alec Withers on drums, their combined musical chops span a decent percentage of Hawke's Bay's great bands, past and present.

Named for the Luddites who sought to reverse the tide of the Industrial Revolution, by dismantling rather than raging against the machine, the Machine Wreckers use art as activism…a modern stand harkening back to a nostalgic time when we believed we could change the world with free love and rock music.


The best little arts festival in the bay is back! Fringe in the ‘Stings celebrates the breadth of talent in Heretaunga and beyond with a smorgasbord of artistic delights to suit every palate, at a price everyone can afford.

Fringe looks a little different this year, with a range of shows throughout the festival at St Matthew’s Hall on Eastbourne Street, from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th October, with satellite venues around the town.

From an award winning run in Wellington, CRUNCH plays daily, exploring the crunchy parts of life via physical theatre and the vehicle of a chippie packet, to charm children and grown ups alike.

Our artist’s hub at the 118 Studio on Karamu Road transforms to an early morning dance party where you can get your boogie on with your coffee, then to an intimate theatre for a series of solo and duo shows that will make you laugh and cry.

There’s music of all sorts, from musicians with disabilities to big band jazz; spooky folk to full throated soul; djembe drumming to comedy ballads; ambient doom to anarchistic noise; heavy metal to heart-filled melodies.

Witness local legend, Stretch, launch his band, the Sinners, with brand new, never before heard material that you, the audience, will help co-create. Get All Folked Up with Ish’s eclectic mash-up made for dancing.

There’s rangatahi theatre - a self penned piece about grief; and Habyt’s Emilia, dealing with poetry and feminism in the time of Shakespeare. There’s drag and burlesque to tickle your fancy. There’s contemporary dance, set in the stars.

There’s something for everyone, and everyone is included. Fringe in the ‘Stings creates space for locals to experiment both as performers and audiences. Low ticket prices and free shows mean you can sample a medley of artistic experiences without breaking the bank.

Tickets are on sale now. Check out the full programme at www.fringeinthestings.co.nz.