Craig ‘Shawsy’ Shaw doesn’t do half measures. His celebration schedule of festivals and concerts over the next few months is busier than some of the acts that will be playing there.

“I’m going to the wine festival, the beer festival, Electric Avenue, Rufus du Sol in Auckland, Groove Armada in Auckland, Fat Boy Slim in Christchurch, Billy Joel in Auckland and Elton John in Christchurch.”

Nothing definite yet but the keen festival punter and promoter might also be breaking out his DJ skills at a gig or three over the summer.

FOMO is behind the gruelling list. “One thing I have learned over the last few years is to not put something off and take for granted that it will still be there later. The risk is too high that it won’t.”

So Craig is seizing the days. “The list is a bit longer than usual because there’s so much available. A lot of artists have faced restrictions on touring and now the floodgates have opened. There’s so much variety – there must be double the usual number of acts coming through.”

He’s got the tickets, now Craig has his fingers crossed for the good hot weather that will make everything fall into place. “Over the last few years the opportunities to connect with friends and family have been taken away from us. Spending time with people, that social interaction, is so important.”

He’s happy for now to be in the crowd rather than wearing the promoter’s hat. “I’m still erring the side of caution there, waiting to see what happens. Watch this space though.”

With all that coming and going, Craig’s plans for New Year’s Eve are pretty simple – “Relaxing, and food and wine!”

Craig’s No. 1 festival hack? “Always drink lots of water, and check the weather forecast so you can be prepared.” That’s the voice of experience there, kids, so learn from Craig rather than learning the hard way.