The Bass Sound Garden returned to Glover Park this Waitangi Day, bringing with it a celebration of rhythm, culture, and community. Waitangi Day holds an important place in Aotearoa’s history and has always been a moment for reflection on the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. But, it’s also a day where people come together in shared spaces, celebrating culture, connection, and the many communities that make Wellington what it is.  This year, that spirit was felt deeply as the park filled with sunshine, blankets, chilly bins, and groups settling in for a long, easy summer session. Friends lounged under trees, families spread out on the grass, and strangers ended up sitting side by side, sharing shade, stories, and a few cold beers. The vibe was relaxed but alive, just the kind of atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

Afro Delight curated a lineup that moved effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Roots, Dub, and Caribbean rhythms. Selectas Awa, Antsman, BABETECH, DJ Grassroots, and Ras Stone each brought their own flavour, with Ras Stone keeping the flow smooth and the energy steady throughout the day. The Echo Vibes sound system carried every bassline with ease, turning Garrett Street into a pocket of pure groove. All afternoon the DJs and crew kept sliding in their own lyricism over the music, chatting to the crowd and keeping the energy alive. What stood out most was how naturally people connected. Kids danced near the speakers, groups drifted between the shade and the dance area, and the crowd moved with an easy, unforced rhythm. It felt like the kind of gathering that grows from the ground up with no rush, no pressure, just people enjoying music, sun, and each other’s company.

Events like this remind us why Wellington’s creative scene feels so alive. When music, culture, and community meet in a space that welcomes everyone, it becomes more than just a gig, it becomes a moment of shared belonging under a bright summer sky.

– Aakriti Vijayvargiya