Leading the Ceilidh at the festival on Saturday night are Theo and G!

"Playing together now since 2020, Theo Redepenning (accordion) and Gary Elford (Dance caller and Guitar) are Theo and G. 

Specialising in having fun with a capital F, they love to see communities become even stronger through the power of dance and music.

Theo is the accordionist who heads up the music department here at Theo & G. 

He grew up on a small farm near Amberley, with goats, chickens and his accordion for company. He went on to compete at the New Zealand Accordion Competitions in Auckland, and came home with first prizes in multiple category classes. He enjoys playing for weddings, birthdays and community events. Anything that brings people together in peace and in joy. 

Gary Elford was born and raised in Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Gary has lived in the South Island of New Zealand for 40 odd years. He has been writing and performing poetry for the last 30 years.

Now residing in Christchurch, Gary has produced and published 4 poetry collections. “Beneath The Sugarloaf “, “The Night the Rat Stepped Out” “Strength in Adversity” and his latest book “The Birthday Present”.

Most of Gary’s poems are in the style of bush ballads that tell tales both true and tall.

He tours and performs regularly in New Zealand and Australia and the shows are a mixture of humorous bush ballads and poetry with the odd song thrown in.

He plays in several band line ups including: Theo and G, The Port Hillbillies, The Incredible Ceilidh Band and Hidden Talent, all based in Christchurch, New Zealand.