On Sunday, 22 November, the Victorian town of Castlemaine will host a world-record attempt to get the most people wearing T-shirts promoting Australian bands for this year’s AusMusic T-Shirt Day.
Just days before this year’s AusMusic T-Shirt Day (Thursday, 26 November), the Old Castlemaine Gaol is the place to be if you love Aussie music and want to show it.
This year’s event follows last year's successful run, which drew more than 180 people wearing Australian band tees – and their dogs – to town. Organisers are aiming for 250 participating punters this year.
Locals and travellers alike are encouraged to bring a picnic, whip out their favourite Aussie band tees, and meet new people. Entry is by gold coin donation. Dogs, especially those wearing a T-shirt, are also welcome.
“Last year showed us how much Castlemaine loves Aussie music,” said event organisers Fionna Allan and Adam Perrett.
They continued, “We’re going bigger this year - every person in a band T-shirt helps raise money for musicians and music workers doing it tough. Bring a picnic, bring the kids, bring your dog in a T-shirt, and help us make some noise for Support Act.”
Beyond wearing merchandise to support your favourite Aussie acts, the event will raise money for Support Act, the Australian music industry charity that supports musicians and other music workers facing hardship.
In addition to showing off band merch and fundraising for Support Act, the day includes prizes, a DIY scavenger hunt for kids, a fundraising raffle, and a t-shirt swap.
Allan and Perrett added, “It’s great to see our community getting behind music and musicians - music is one of the things that makes our area so special. We're excited to have live music, raffles and a t-shirt swap this year - bring along a band t-shirt and swap for another!”
Bendigo-based artist Nat Vazer will provide live music for the day. The indie rock singer-songwriter has earned two Australian Music Prize nominations for her records Is This Offensive and Loud? (2020) and for 2023’s Strange Adrenaline.
You can donate to Support Act here.
