This week sees the last month of Spring kick-in, which means only one thing to Australian live music fans: the beginning of our festival season.

As we all happily watch winter disappear in our review mirror, we’re now staring down the arrival of our most adored festivals, what with Future Music and Triple J announcing their special fest line-ups last week, to the incredible Adelaide Festival and of course, Golden Plains revealing their mammoth performing cast to name just a tiny few, it’s fair to say we’ve got plenty of great music celebrations on our horizons.

But if these are just not enough, let us introduce six, count it six more festivals that you may want to pencil in for the fast-approaching Summer, and sadly, one that won’t be returning.

A Festival Called Panama


Leading the charge is PANAMA, a 2-night musical extravaganza held in the beautiful woodlands of north-east Tasmania.

After a rouse of success of its inaugural event this year, the wondrous region will be transformed into a holy place for music once again on March 8 and 9 of 2015. The first announcement of artists pitted to rock the island state include: Bombino, Sharon Van Etton, Harmony, Scotdrakula, Cactus Channel, Violet Swells and Ben Salter.

In what has to be one of the most serene festival locations in all of Australia, PANAMA keeps things nice and intimate, selling on 1000 tickets, with punters treated to wood-fired hot showers, cider brewed on site, delicious local foods stalls, and breathtaking cabaret.

Mountain Sounds Festival


Priding themselves as one of Australia’s premiere boutique outings, Mountain Sounds Festival returns in 2015 to the stunning surrounds of Mount Penang Parklands in Kariong, NSW, conveniently situated halfway between Sydney and Newcastle. Festival-goers have the opportunity to take in the natural beauty and cultural delights of the Central Coast, with an option to camp overnight on both the Friday and Saturday nights, with campsites featuring parties, silent discos and more.

The 2015 instalment features an insane list of talented musicians to please any sonic palate: D.D Dumbo, DZ Deathrays, The Griswolds, The Kite String Tangle, Northeast Party House, SAFIA
Tkay Maidza and many, many more.

The event is held on Saturday 21 February, 2015, however eager punters have the choice of purchasing camping tickets for either/both Friday and Saturday nights too. If this sounds very for you, you can buy tickets by following this link. Happy mountaining!

Beechworth Music Festival


Now in its second year, the Beechworth Music Festival has been announced for January 2015.

After a very successful debut event, edition number two features the ferocious guitar cyclone of five piece Beaches, local legend Jen Cloher, punks The Bennies, Ron S. Peno and The Superstitions and ex-pats Luluc leading the charge.

Located on the beautiful rolling hills of the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum (now decommissioned) in the scenic Victorian town of Beechworth (hence the name) the festival is definitely worth a trip out of the city for a day and night of music, good safe times, free camping and a complete sensory overload.

For tickets and info www.beechworthmusicfestival.com

Port Fairy Folk Festival


A mainstay and icon of Aussie music festivals is the Victorian coastal event, Port Fairy Folk Festival, held from 6th – 9th March each year.

The extraordinary event will be in its 39th year of running in 2015, and the line-up is growing out of control. Topping the bill is Irish songstress Sinead O’Connor, Canadian folkster Buffy Sainte-Marie, US bluesman Charlie Musselwhite and UK legend Richard Thompson. Despite such massive international headliners, the breadth of talent does not end there. Representing Australia is none other than Christine Anu and John Butler Trio. This line-up is so huge that there was no way we could fit it all, so jump over to Port Fairy Folk Festival’s website for the full list.

Naturally, spots are selling very quickly for this amazing fest, so we advise you and some mates get your act together ASAP and get your tickets sorted.

Harbour Party NYE


Have no fear, your New Year’s Eve plans have been sorted out for you. Not only are you going to be enjoying incredible views of Sydney Harbour (and, by extension, the all-important fireworks spectacular) offered by Sydney’s Luna Park, but you’ll also be partying with a sublime lineup of great dance acts.

Yes, Harbour Party NYE returns in 2014, giving punters another chance to ring in the new year in style and with an awesome selection of dance talent, including Stafford Brothers, The Potbelleez, Wax Motif, Mr. Wilson, Laprats, Wave Racer, and more.

When you’re not on the dance floor, you’ll be having the time of your life within the grounds of one of Sydney’s most iconic theme parks. All tickets include unlimited use of park rides, as well as access to numerous bars and food outlets.

Tickets are set to go on sale Friday, 9th October and are sure to sell fast. For more information head over to the Harbour Party website.

Queenscliff Music Festival


One of 2014’s most adored music and arts event of Victoria is just around the corner, taking place from 28th – 30th November of this year, but that’s no reason they can’t keep adding musicians to their line-up.

The unbelievably strong list of performers includes: The Jezabels, Xavier Rudd, The Church, Dan Sultan, Husky, The Delta Riggs, Nahko and the Medicine People, Steve Smyth and Stonefield, just to name a very short few – dig the full list here.

There are a range of tickets available from 3-day VIP to single one days, so take a look have a look at this link and source out your day/s of live music at one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal towns.

The Plot Will Not Return In 2014


It’s not all good news in today’s festival wrap-up. Unfortunately, the organisers of The Plot , the same good folks behind Australia’s most beloved rural touring festival, Groovin The Moo, have confirmed that the recent addition to Australia’s dance event calendar will not return this year.

“Hey Plotters just a heads up that we will return in 2015,” wrote festival organisers on Facebook. “The closure of one of our venues, The Palace in Melbourne made it difficult to find a suitable Plot location.”

However, it’s not all bad news. Organisers write that they are “look[ing] forward to seeing you all in 2015” and promise that when they return next year, they’ll have “a few exciting changes” in tow.

The inaugural Plot event went down last year, featuring a lineup that included Alison Wonderland, Gold Fields, and Beni.

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