Music festivals
Opinion
Live music
There are many reasons Bluesfest failed. Not all of them are bad news
The imminent demise of Bluesfest is not a complete surprise, but nor is it a death knell for the concept of music festivals.
- by Bernard Zuel
Latest
End of an era: Bluesfest falls silent after 35 years
The curtain is coming down on one of the nation’s best-loved and longest running music festivals.
- by Nick Galvin
‘The city is suffering’: Festivals push for more music in historic Sydney park
Hit by cancellations and rising costs, festival organisers say the cap on concerts at Centennial Park should be lifted.
- by Linda Morris
These music festivals defied the trend and sold out. What’s the trick?
Defying the gloomy trend of cancellations, Strawberry Fields, Mundi Mundi Bash and Harbourlife have all sold out. Is there a pattern here for festivals to emulate?
- by Karl Quinn
How Australia’s music cartels are driving up the cost of live shows
The ACCC has told a parliamentary inquiry that “vertical integration” adds as much as 20 per cent to the cost of live music events in Australia.
- by Karl Quinn
Michael J Fox joins Coldplay, and other things you missed from Glastonbury
From Banksy protests to lip-synching accusations, here are some of the buzziest moments from the UK’s biggest music festival.
- by Nell Geraets
The hidden costs that are killing live music festivals
Pill testing could make attendance at music festivals and events much safer – but it could dramatically increase the financial risk borne by festivals.
- by Karl Quinn
Another music festival cancelled as government looks for expert help
After 17 years, the Caloundra Music Festival has been scrapped due to rising costs. One industry veteran says it’s time to reconsider the role of such events.
- by Tony Moore
Pill-testing plan to stop ‘horror’ of teenagers overdosing: Premier
A proposal for a year-long pill-testing trial in Victoria will be considered by cabinet after Premier Jacinta Allan called overdoses of teens at festivals an “unimaginable” horror.
- by Annika Smethurst and Ashleigh McMillan
Exclusive
Drug reform
Victorian pill testing trial to go to cabinet ‘within weeks’ with premier’s support
The proposed 12-month trial would likely include mobile teams at music festivals, where patrons could have their illicit drugs tested and receive harm reduction advice.
- by Rachael Dexter
‘We’re the ones cleaning up the vomit’: Street festival expansion has locals fuming
Residents and businesses say the Teneriffe Festival is too large and disruptive for the suburb, while the festival says the expansion has been carefully managed.
- by Nick Dent