Kia ora Team <3 Dee here, The Twisted founder and director. This is by far the one of the hardest messages I have ever written. For over eleven years now I have put my heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into this project and I have watched countless spectacular creatures do the same. It is with deep regret to let you know that next summer we are most likely going to open the gates for the last time. This is not what any of us want and we are sure there’s a couple of thousand of you who feel the same but the truth is it has reached the point where the immense passion that drives this incredible community is not able to overcome the reality of the crisis that independent festivals are facing. Despite our best efforts, sales have taken a massive hit and the cost of throwing the event has grown in a way that is difficult to describe in a short post. Nor can we describe in an astute way how much energy has gone into trying to overcome these issues, but believe me we have tried. We have sold 1000 less tickets this year, a tough pill to swallow after the phenomenal event we pulled off for our ten year anniversary. We have been juggling debt for seven years now but never at a scale like this. We know that there are many folks who want to be here this year who simply can’t afford it and it fucking sucks that this has come down to shit like the price of cheese. Unless something drastically changes and we see a dramatic growth in sales or are able to find some other way of sustaining the event then it needs to be put to rest. Tickets for the 2026/2027 event go on sale on January 4th with the option to add some Koha on top if you can afford it, alongside a fundraising campaign. We know its terrible timing for the committed folks who have likely spent their hard earned money supporting the festival already but unfortunately we have no choice. We will put a larger chunk of earlybirds out there in the hope that some of the folks who deserve the discounted tickets have a chance to snap some up. Next year’s event will still be full of all of the things that set this festival apart from the rest and have put us on the world stage. We will not compromise the essence and if it has to be the last one, you can bet your ass we are goin’ out with a bang. If you want us to be able to keep bringing you the goods, buy a ticket. EARLY! And chuck us some koha if you can afford it. Massive love to every one of you for joining us on this journey. We truly hope this isn't the end but we need to be realistic and we need it to thrive, not just survive. The risk has become too great. It’s been beautiful, whānau. Lets try save it together <3 Whatever happens no one can ever take away the memories we have shared and the bonds we have forged along the way.