A weekend music festival is set to further cement Lake Macquarie’s growing reputation as a destination for live music entertainment. The Lake Mac Micro Festival will include a mix of established and emerging artists, delivering 14 performances across seven venues. Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Lifelong Learning and Engagement Kirrily Anderson said the two-day festival would activate a variety of spaces throughout the city, from larger sites like Rathmines Theatre, the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, and Charlestown Square to the Cassowary Café at Belmont, Toronto Library, tirrabiyangba, and Lake Macquarie Cruises boats.
The festival’s two headline concerts – both free – comprise MAP mima Rocks on Saturday, a 3-8.30pm alternative grunge gig, and Rathmines Beats n Rhythms at Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba, on Sunday, featuring soul, funk, reggae, and groove from 2-4.40pm. “Events like these strengthen our commitment to promoting and nurturing live music in our region,” Ms. Anderson said. “They bring people together, encourage creativity, activate spaces, and create flow-on revenue for the artists, support crews, and hospitality workers.”
The festival is part of the Lake Mac Live and Local music program, launched last year in partnership with the NSW-based Live Music Office and peak industry body APRA AMCOS. “With more than 50 live music venues in Lake Mac, the program is developing homegrown talent, boosting audiences to experience live music, and providing opportunities for emerging musicians to be paid to perform,” Ms. Anderson said.
It follows on from a bumper season of live music in the city, which included the Red Hot Summer Tour and Lookout festivals and sold-out performances by Damien Leith and Darren Coggan. Ms. Anderson said an upcoming performance by Australian screen and music legend John Waters in August was already attracting strong ticket sales. “Feedback over the past 12 months has been overwhelmingly positive, and that is backed up by the numbers we’re getting to live music events,” she said. “Red Hot Summer and Lookout attracted a combined 11,000 punters, and we’ve got other exciting gigs in the pipeline that will hopefully continue that positive trend.”
The festival promises not only great entertainment but also economic benefits for the region as it supports local artists and boosts the hospitality sector. With a diverse lineup of musicians and a range of venues, the Lake Mac Micro Festival aims to showcase the city’s vibrant music scene and attract a broad audience. The event is a testament to Lake Macquarie’s commitment to fostering a thriving live music culture and providing a platform for both established and emerging talents to shine.
By hosting events like the Micro Festival, Lake Macquarie City Council underscores its dedication to promoting arts and culture within the community. The festival’s success is a reflection of the city’s vibrant creative scene and its ability to draw both local and visiting audiences. Such initiatives not only enrich the cultural fabric of the region but also contribute to its economic growth and tourism appeal. As the festival unfolds, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on Lake Macquarie’s reputation as a dynamic hub for live music and artistic expression.
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