The recent cancellation of major music festivals Spilt Milk and Splendour in the Grass and the postponement of Yours & Owls has sparked a resurgence in Wollongong’s live music scene, diversifying the music culture.
The scrapping of these festivals has created a boom among smaller venues and community-driven initiatives, now experiencing a revival as they draw both artists and audiences back to more intimate, local settings.
Event planner Isabella Lim expressed that the cancellation of the major festivals has breathed new life into the local scene.
“We’re seeing artists and audiences reconnecting in smaller, more intimate venues, which is bringing a real sense of community back to live music in Wollongong,” Ms Lim said.
Yours & Owls, a staple of Wollongong’s music calendar, and Spilt Milk, another crowd favourite, have both faced significant challenges in recent years.
Rising costs, increasing logistical complexities, and the lingering uncertainties of post-pandemic planning led to their respective postponement and cancellation.
These festivals, which once drew thousands to the region, have been unable to sustain the scale and spectacle that fans came to expect.
The absence of these large-scale events has left a noticeable gap in the city’s cultural landscape. However, this shift has also opened opportunities for local venues and promoters to step in and fill the void.
Concertgoer Kai Ahern said that despite the decline in music festivals, there are plenty of concerts to attend.
“Despite the cancellation of festivals, the community is still here, we’re showing up to gigs wherever we can, showing love to the artists and venues,” Mr Ahern said.
“You can definitely feel the love we have towards our live scene.”
With the decline of major festivals, Wollongong’s local venues have seen a substantial increase in activity.
Small to mid-sized venues like La La La’s, North Gong Hotel, and the UniBar are now at the forefront of the city’s music scene, hosting a variety of concerts that showcase both emerging and established local talent.
Attendance at these venues has surged, with many reporting sold-out shows and a renewed sense of community among concertgoers. The intimacy of these settings allows for a more personal connection between artists and their audiences, fostering a loyal and engaged fan base that is essential for sustaining a vibrant music culture.
“Although rising costs of living might be a push to keep people from going out, the presence of free live music around the city allows everyone to enjoy the scene, at a lower cost compared to festivals,” Mr Ahern said.
While the festival cancellations have been a disappointment for many, they have also paved the way for a more localised and diverse music culture in Wollongong.
As Wollongong continues to adapt to these changes, its reputation as a hub for live music is predicted to grow.
Video: At the University of Wollongong, music students Sam Gordon and Ashleigh Gallagher are grappling with the harsh realities of breaking into the music industry. Alongside creative pressures, they face significant monetary challenges – juggling part-time jobs, paying for producers and investing in equipment, all while managing their academic responsibilities. For many in their cohort, the dream of making it in music feels both inspiring and daunting. The tight-knit group shares the struggle of navigating a fiercely competitive industry, where the cost of pursuing their passion often feels like an insurmountable barrier.