26 Mar 2024
Great Southern Nights signals resurgence in NSW's live music
The final encore has been played for Great Southern Nights 2024, with more than 90,000 music lovers rocking to more than 300 gigs in various Sydney and NSW locations, signalling a resurgence of the state’s live music culture.
Delivered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), Great Southern Nights 2024 provided audiences with a diverse range of Australian live music over three weekends.
G Flip, The Teskey Brothers, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Hoodoo Gurus, The Presets, Pacific Avenue and Ball Park Music were among 630 artists who took to NSW stages across seven key entertainment precincts in inner and Western Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, the Northern Rivers and Tamworth.
Aligning with the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms, this year Great Southern Nights took music to the streets, delivering a richer cultural experience that revitalised the live music scene by cultivating lively entertainment zones in Sydney, Newcastle and other key entertainment precincts.
The event’s final weekend wrapped up with a free two-day street party outside the King Street Hotel in Newcastle, headlined by fan favourites, Trophy Eyes and Sneaky Sound System. While Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills provided an entertainment and culinary journey as music lovers walked from venue to venue along the Great Southern Nights Gig Trail, an initiative supported by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy’s Uptown program.
Great Southern Nights also provided a boon to surrounding accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes across all seven locations, as local businesses capitalised on increased foot traffic and overnight visitation, providing a significant boost to the state’s creative, night-time and visitor economies.
The NSW Government has committed to delivering Great Southern Nights over the next two years with dates for the 2025 event to be announced later this year.
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “We made a clear commitment at the election to bring back music across NSW, and that’s exactly what Great Southern Nights 2024 has achieved.
“This program saw many artists performing across the state to full rooms and visitors enjoying vibrant precincts, encouraging nightlife and culture, community engagement and economic activity.”
CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd said: “Great Southern Nights in 2024 proved the live music industry is not slowing down, as thousands flocked to venues across Sydney and our regional communities.
“We've seen unexpected discoveries flourish while venues have kept their doors open late night after night to celebrate the unifying power of music. ARIA is proud to support such an impactful program for the industry and believe it will continue to thrive in years to come.”
Great Southern Nights’ performing band Pacific Avenue said: “Great Southern Nights has been a phenomenal boost for Australia's music industry. The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to musicians and bands, significantly escalating touring expenses. Thanks to this initiative's support, we had the opportunity to return to one of our favourite venues in the country, with an incredible line-up of local and interstate artists.
“It was amazing to have the opportunity to highlight the talent of our wonderful friends. It enabled us to forge deeper connections with our fans in a more intimate setting, sharing an unforgettable evening of music. Truly, it was a unique experience we couldn't have achieved without Great Southern Nights.”
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