MLT NZ GOLD GUITAR AWARDS
Where: Gore Town & Country Club, RSA, Gore Baptist Church
When: Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June 2025
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Join in and celebrate raw country music talent at New Zealand’s greatest country music event, the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards.
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For almost half a century, hundreds of country musicians of all ages have travelled to Gore to compete for the coveted Gold Guitar Award.
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Three days of auditions and spectacular finals night events showcase the best in junior/intermediate and senior categories. There’s a country music showcase concert that’s part of the Classic Final (previously 40+ and 60+ finals), where a stand-out country music contributor is inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame. This year's inductee is Dennis August.
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The Gold Guitar winner receives a comprehensive prize package to set them on the road to country music stardom.
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This prestigious event - the longest running and largest country music club competition in New Zealand - is why Gore is known as the NZ capital of country music.
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AUDITIONS
Auditions are held consecutively at three Gore locations: Gore RSA, Gore Town & Country Club and the Gore Baptist Church. For times and categories please visit www.goldguitars.co.nz.
Purchase tickets at the door to gain access to auditions.
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Three Day Audition Pass
Ticket allows entry at all audition venues from Friday – Sunday, plus entry into the Classic Finals, MLT Showcase and Hands Of Fame induction.
Adults $55, Seniors $38, Children $5
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Friday Auditions
Ticket allows entry at all audition venues on Friday 30 May 2025.
Adults $18 and Senior $12. Children 17 years and under FREE
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Saturday Auditions
Ticket allows entry at all audition venues on Saturday 31 May 2025.
Adults $18 and Senior $12. Children 17 years and under FREE
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Sunday Auditions - Senior Section Only
Ticket allows entry to Sunday auditions and the Classic Finals, MLT Showcase and Hands of Fame Induction on Sunday 1 June 2025.
Auditions: 8am – 12noon, MLT Showcase & Hands of Fame Induction: 3pm. Gore Town & Country Club.
Adults $25, Seniors $18, Children, $5
FINALS
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MLT NZ Gold Guitar Junior & Intermediate Finals
All the intermediate and junior finalists followed by the awards presentation. Featuring guest artists - 2024 winners Sophie Toyne and Briar Sharp
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Saturday 31 May 2025, 6.30pm
Adults $45 + booking fee
Child (17 years and under) $10 + booking fee
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Classic Finals
Featuring all the Classic group finalists (previously 40 plus and 60 plus categories), followed by a presentation of the awards. The MLT Showcase will follow and Dennis August will be inducted into the Hands of Fame at this event. Door sales tickets only.
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Sunday 1 June 2025, 1.30pm
Gore Town & Country Stadium
Adults $25, Seniors $18, Children 17 years and under $5
Door sales tickets only.
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards Senior Finals
The evening features all finalists in the senior award categories, followed by presentation of the awards. Guest artist is 2024 winner Amy Maynard.
Sunday 1 June 2025, 7.00pm
Adults $50 + booking fee
Child (17 years and under) $15 + booking fee
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For information and entries: www.goldguitars.co.nz