Major UK fusion act Alabama 3, famous for their song "Woke Up This Morning" which plays over the opening credits of the hit US TV series The Sopranos have chosen Nelson's annual craft beer and music festival, MarchFest, for their only South Island gig.

Also on the bill is UK punk poet John Cooper Clarke, who rose to fame during the 1970s when he gigged with The Sex Pistols, Joy Division and other punk icons. The fifth Marchfest craft beer and music festival also rising Kiwi stars, The Drab Doo Riffs, the Auckland 5-piece fronted by ex-SuperGroover Karl Steven, music critic/DJ Grant Smithies, The Immigrants and The Ukes of Hazard.

Meanwhile on the beer and cider front, 14 of the region's craft brewers and cider makers will be making brand new brews for the event.

MarchFest will be continuing its reputation as a family-friendly, sustainable festival with a full programme of kids activities like last year and more sustainable festival facilities such as beer tokens, solar-powered token kiosks, wind power and audience-driven pedal-power.