"We Have Big Plans For 2016" - NZ Big Day Out Promoter

New Zealand's Big Day Out promoter has rebutted speculation the Big Day Out will take another year off, saying: "We have big plans for 2016."

Yesterday, former Australian promoter AJ Maddah sparked rumours on Twitter that the festival wouldn't return until 2017 "at the earliest".

But local promoter Campbell Smith denies this, telling the Herald in a brief statement that the festival's future plans would be revealed shortly.

"We have big plans for 2016, which will become apparent very soon," Smith said.

He called Maddah's Twitter feed "entertaining, if nothing else".

The Big Day Out took 2015 off after being sold to American company C3 Presents, who said the festival could return "in future years".

"While we intend to bring back the festival in future years, we can confirm there will not be a Big Day Out in 2015. We love working on BDO and are excited about the future."

On Twitter, Maddah responded to questions about the event by speculating that those expecting a 2016 event were going to be disappointed.

"With the pissweak state of the AUD$ and general availability of bankable headliners I would guess 2017 at earliest ...

"I doubt it will be back as early as next year. When/if it does come back it will have to be w a BANG."

The Big Day Out had a year off in New Zealand in 2013 but returned in 2014 with a highly acclaimed new look and new venue at Western Springs Park and Stadium.

But the festival struggled to sell out in Australia, despite headliners including Pearl Jam, Snoop Dogg and Arcade Fire.

C3 Presents hasn't responded to Herald inquiries.

NZ Herald