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 Tamworth, Inner and Western Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, and the Northern Rivers.
“Our Government has made a clear commitment to bringing a lively music scene back across NSW, and that’s exactly what Great Southern Nights 2024 has achieved – it delivered a vibrant, safe event that saw visitors embracing Sydney and NSW’s nightlife and culture, encouraging community engagement and economic activity.” said Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham.
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.
“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.” said Great Southern Nights’ performing band Pacific Avenue.
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