A Mount Maunganui New Year’s Eve festival is set to return for its “biggest rendition yet” after three years of sold-out shows.

Backed by big names and a new format, the festival will host UK heavyweights Rudimental, bringing drum and bass, house and soul music to the Bay.

Famous Last Words launched in 2021 and returns to Baypark, Mount Maunganui on December 31.

The festival, presented by Trademark Live and George FM, will feature three stages for the first time – including an outdoor stage.

Mitch Lowe, owner of Trademark Live and co-promoter of Famous Last Words, said his organisation had been “championing” drum and bass in New Zealand for more than 15 years.

“Nothing makes us happier than seeing it all come together on New Year’s Eve in our hometown.”

The festival has sold out for the last three years, each time welcoming between 5000 and 6500 attendees.

“For us, it is about celebrating New Year’s Eve in one of New Zealand’s most iconic summer destinations, bringing both locals and visitors together for a memorable send-off to the year.”

Lowe said the Mount was an “incredible” destination for the festival’s demographic and he expected to see a bigger crowd this year.

Famous Last Words has sold out for the last three years, each time welcoming between 5000 to 6500 attendees. Photo / Desmond Nielsen

“The event is really the cherry on top of an epic Kiwi road trip.”

Rudimental have been named as the headlining act and have also been announced as a headline act at Rhythm and Alps.

The band rose to prominence in 2012 when their single Feel the Love, featuring John Newman, topped the UK singles chart.

They have won several awards, including a Brit Award and the Mobo Award for Best Album, and achieved multiple platinum awards for record sales in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.

Today, the group have 12.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and hit songs such as These Days featuring Jess Glynne, Macklemore and Dan Caplen, with more than one billion streams.

Lowe said Trademark Live focused on bringing artists with high energy who connected with New Zealand audiences and represented the best of global and local electronic music.

“It is a balance of international heavyweights, cult favourites and emerging talent.”

Rudimental will be joined by more than 10 other international artists including Kurupt FM, Turno, Flux Pavilion and UK vocalist Issey Cross, with more to be announced.

Lowe said locals will hit the jackpot with the artists set to perform.

“We look forward to hosting you all for our biggest rendition yet.”

Ticket pre-sales begin on August 26 at 7pm, and general on-sale begins August 27 at 7pm.