Lucky Star Speaks for Itself
I love music festivals. There’s something electric about being surrounded by people all gathered to have fun, dance, and soak up good vibes. Splore is a perfect example: eight thousand people camping, dressing up, and immersing themselves in music, food, and creativity. Most of the artists had positive messages to share, making the festival as much about connection and inspiration as it was about beats and colour.
I’ve been friends with Matt Sephton for a few years now. The guy is a sound wizard, and I always trust him to set up a party or festival sound system, and to keep the energy flowing with his groovy DJ sets. Matt had been telling me and the Coromind crew about Lucky Star HQ for a while, and when the chance came to cover their presence at Splore, we knew it was one not to miss.
Lucky Star is an independent collective that can slot into almost any festival, but experiencing it in person is something else entirely. It’s a buzzing hub that feels like a circus sideshow, a backstreet dive, and a community lounge all at once.
Originally, Lucky Star began as a humble coffee caravan and juice bar. Over time, it has grown into a beloved festival institution with its own personality and energy. What started as espresso on wheels became a playground for music, performance, and playful antics. The crew calls it “always going to misbehave.”
Mels Berg and Jonas Karsten run the collective, bringing their free-roaming, festival-centric lifestyle into everything they do. When they’re not at Splore, they travel Aotearoa with friends, house trucks, and The Extravaganza Fair, building kaleidoscopic worlds wherever they land. If you’ve been to The Extravaganza Fair, you’ll know Jonas from his epic truck and funky clothing and sunglasses stand.
It’s no surprise people choose to stay at Lucky Star almost the whole time during a festival. It’s family-friendly, colourful, and the music line-up blends live acts with top national and international DJs.
At Splore, highlights included Princess Room, Alleykat, The Mara, Queen B & The Nobles, DJ Matt Rapid & Elise Adlam, and my favourite, the Lucky Star All Stars Band featuring incredible musicians like top NZ drummer Michael Barker and singer Nikita Tu-Bryant. There was even Mermaid Bait, a modern fanfare-style band, and a Mozzarella Cheese Making Rave. And of course, Con (Rad) Artists kept the costumes and performances impeccable.
DIY is the Lucky Star mantra. The collective works relentlessly before, during, and after events. Jonas summed it up simply: “Mate, Lucky Star speaks for itself.” And he’s right. The energy, the music, the performers, the community magic—it’s all undeniable.
But here’s the challenge. Their main stage, the iconic Lucky Star Fire Truck, blew a head gasket just days before Splore. Beyond repair, with specialist engineers confirming it was officially done. They still managed to get it to Splore by hiring a specialist truck, an emergency cost of $5,000 just to transport it to the festival and back to their home base at The Extravaganza Fair. Now they need to buy a new truck and move the entire stage body onto it.
This isn’t just a vehicle. It’s their livelihood, their festival heart. Anyone who’s danced, laughed, or felt alive at Lucky Star knows the magic it brings. And now they need a hand. Any contribution, big or small, will help cover the emergency costs and support the new stage truck, keeping Lucky Star alive and rolling across Aotearoa festivals. You can donate and help get their truck sorted.
The next stop for Lucky Star HQ is Resonance Festival, 20 to 22 March. It’s your chance to experience the joy, the colour, the music, and the community that make Lucky Star the beating heart of every festival it touches.
If Lucky Star has ever made you dance, connect, or feel alive, now’s the time to show some love. Let’s rally together. Click here to donate!
Words by Leonardo Magri
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