In great news for live music lovers, Australia’s most beloved music festival, St Kilda Festival, is returning in 2022.
The Festival will look a little different next year, spread over nine days to allow for a COVID-safe approach, while continuing the focus on some of the nation’s best musicians over multiple stages as well as satellite activations and online events.
The Festival will take place 5 – 13 February across three high-profile St Kilda locations:
O’Donnell Gardens and Acland Street: Saturday 5 February
South Beach Reserve at the iconic foreshore: Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 February
Catani Gardens and Fitzroy Street: Sunday 13 February
The full program will be announced on 10 January and will again showcase some of the nation’s best musicians over multiple stages. The much-anticipated return of the Festival champions a diverse line-up with a focus on showcasing First Peoples talent throughout the 9-day format.
Some highlights include: Daryl Braithwaite, Gordi, Barkaa, Baker Boy, Kee’ahn, KYE, The Lazy Eyes with more than 50 additional acts yet to be announced.
Returning for 2022 is the highly-regarded New Music Competition which recognises the importance of promoting opportunities for emerging musicians.
This year the competition will be run online with the performances available for the public to view and vote for on the Festival website and screened onsite at the Festival.
The crowd favourite will take home a $5,000 cash prize, as well as an invitation to perform at the St Kilda Festival Main Stage in 2023.
“The 2022 Festival will look a little different but we couldn’t be happier the show will go on,” said Mayor of Port Phillip, Cr Marcus Pearl. “Supporting our local arts, entertainment and hospitality industries is very important to us.
“It’s also a wonderful way to spearhead the summer rebirth of our City as a place where people can connect and enjoy themselves, whether it’s listening to performers or chatting over a coffee and meal.”
Renowned as one of Australia’s largest and longest running free music and cultural events, the Festival brings significant economic benefits to St Kilda while celebrating and promoting Australian talent.
Presented by City of Port Phillip, the Festival has seen many formats since its inception over 40 years ago. Most recently, it was a one-day event, consistently attracting more than 400,000 visitors to the foreshore.
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, sports demonstrations, community group activities, food and market stalls, extended business trading, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-friendly stage.
The 2022 St Kilda Festival takes place around the St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds: Saturday 5 – Sunday 13 February. Full program to be announced on 10 January. For more information, visit: www.stkildafestival.com.au for details.
Image: Crowds at the St Kilda Festival near Luna Park (supplied)