Rhythm & Alps Announces Stellar First Line-Up For 2015

Massive NZ fest.

New Zealand's biggest new year's eve party and international music festival Rhythm & Alps returns to Wanaka's Cardrona Valley in 2015 and the first line-up has dropped today, proving this year's event could be its biggest yet.

Headlining the two-day festival from 30-31 December is none other than British house and techno pioneer Carl Cox. The veteran DJ will hit the stage after midnight on new year's eve to ring in 2016 in the best way possible.

Also announced on the bill is Aussie party rock outfit Sticky Fingers who will perform on the main stage, as will electronic duo Arma Del Amor.

Check out the full first artist announcement below:

Carl Cox

Sticky Fingers

Chali 2na & The House Of Vibe

Opiuo Band

Ed Rush & Optical

Dub Phizix & Strategy

DJ Marky

Mala

Machinedrum

Ame

Weird Together

Electric Wire Hustle

Ahoribuzz

Reality Chant & Deadly Hunta

Kamandi

Arma Del Amor

Remi

JPS

Stickybuds

Summer Thieves

Amit

Kaiser Souzai

Out Of Sorts

Thanks Murray Sweatpants

Kumara Funk DJs

With a second batch of artists expected to be announced in the coming months, festival director Alex Turnbull believes R&A's fifth year will be one to remember.

"We've got an unprecedented first announcement of a talent-packed roster of artists over two days and we expect the lineup to appeal to a wide range of music lovers of all ages," Turnbull said.

"With more live music than ever before, and set in the stunning, iconic location in the Cardrona Valley, R&A 2015 will be the place to be for New Year’s Eve celebrations."

R&A's warm-up event will take place at Lake Hawea on 28 December and will feature performances by RL Grime, Skepta and Spor.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased through the festival website.