The NSW Government is amping up the State’s live music scene with the return of Great Southern Nights in March and April 2022 and local musicians and live music venues are being encouraged to get involved.

Following its hugely successful debut in 2020, Great Southern Nights will again create jobs and revenue for artists, venues and crew across regional NSW, highlighting the State’s rich live music culture.

Following another challenging year of COVID-19 restrictions, industry and music lovers alike will no doubt welcome the initiative.

Great Southern Nights celebrates the very essence of live music in Australia – it is about getting artists on stages, gigs in venues, and audiences back enjoying performances by our talented creatives right across the State.

The event was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving industry a leg up to get back to work.  Last year, more than 75,000 tickets were sold at over 300 venues.

The NSW Government has delivered a range of support measures to businesses and individuals in an effort to lessen the impact of the latest COVID-19 restrictions.  Earlier this year, they delivered the $24 million Live Music Support Package to 162 venues.

Great Southern Nights will feature live music performances from household names, emerging talent and grassroots local acts. The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver it in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

Great Southern Nights is about artists and crews doing what they love, and what they do best – putting on a show for an audience that wants to get back to the thrill and emotion of hearing live music  it will give everyone something to look forward to.

Venues can apply to be part of the Great Southern Nights program via the website. For information: www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.