Gong Crawl 2024 refreshed life in Wollongong last weekend with a live music event with more than 50 artists across 10 venues in the city.
Phoebe Price, an event organiser and member of Speed Drive Inc, said the night enabled individuals to explore new things without financial barriers.
“I think it opened up the venues to people who wouldn’t typically go to certain shows because of ticket price or they were unsure if they would like something,” Ms Price said.
“Having the event be free just allowed for people to be flexible and curious.”
Hundreds of attendees had the chance to join the crowd and customise their experience thanks to the flexible event schedule with numerous choices of artists.
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Ms Price also said there was a chance for smaller venues to interact with more people.
“It also opened up opportunities for small venues to be seen by punters, so hopefully more gigs can begin at these venues people would typically overlook,” she said.
Many up-and-coming artists were featured on the lineup, helping to foster an already flourishing music scene within Wollongong.
Ms Price’s band Private Wives played a 30-minute set at local venue Dicey Riley’s.
She shared her incredible experience when playing at The Crawl.
“It was amazing to see so much support for us at a venue that we don’t often play at,” Ms Price said.
Ms Price believed the event had provided people involved in the event with a positive experience.
“It just impacted the community in such a positive and fun way, for artists, venues and punters alike,” she said.
“We can’t wait to get cooking on the next one.”
Speed Drive Inc. is already looking forward to the Gong Crawl 2025, and is hoping to make it an annual event.