The award for Best Music Festival returns for its second outing at this year’s ARIA Awards, following last year’s debut.
Returning with the support of Music Australia and as the ARIA Awards celebrate their 40th anniversary, fans and industry alike can discover who the winner will be on Wednesday, 18 November, during a ceremony at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.
The award – developed in partnership with the Australian Festival Association (AFA) – celebrates the events that put Australian artists in front of audiences and program emerging local talent.
Entries have just opened and close on Friday, 18 September, at 5 pm AEST. You can enter your festival here.
As for eligibility for the award, the festivals must feature an Australian headline act or a line-up of at least 50% homegrown artists, as well as be a member of the AFA. Head here to find additional eligibility requirements, the entry process, key dates, important documents, and more.
Last year, Laneway Festival won the inaugural award. Other nominated festivals included Ability Fest, Beyond the Valley, Bluesfest Byron Bay, and Yours and Owls Festival.
“Festivals are where Australian artists meet the audiences that change their careers,” ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd commented in a statement.
She continued, “Programming Australian talent is a deliberate decision and has a huge impact on the careers of local artists. It is a delight to continue celebrating those who go above and beyond to do this.”
Australian Festival Association Chair, Adelle Robinson, added, “Music festivals are a key part of the music industry’s ecosystem, and we have seen them platform many Australian artists at the beginning of their careers. The ARIA Music Festival award recognises the link between Australian music, fans and a unique live experience.”
ARIA also notes that over half of Australian live music attendees went to a music festival in the past year. More than 70% of those surveyed said that they believe festivals mark a rite of passage for young Australians, and they remain a powerful platform for artist discovery.
