New Hobart waterfront music festival announced for New Year’s Eve

A new music festival will take shape on Hobart’s waterfront this New Year’s Eve, with organisers hopeful it will fill the void left by the cancellation of the Falls Festival. SEE WHO’S PLAYING >>

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A NEW music festival will hit Hobart’s waterfront this New Year’s Eve, with organisers hoping it will be a “celebration all Tasmanians can enjoy following the void created by the Falls Festival’s cancellation”.

Popular mainland bands the Jungle Giants and Yacht Club DJs will headline a night of music at Hobart’s Goods Shed on the last day of the year, alongside several Tasmanian artists including Chase City and Lazer Baby.

Run by events company Vandemonian Touring, the NYE night shows will follow a day of free local music at the Regatta Grounds earlier in the day.

Organisers said a number of “high profile” artists had also been secured to play gigs on January 29 and 30, with details to be announced soon.

Local artist Sabine Bester of alt-pop band Kudu Joy, said she was eager to return to the stage at the NYE festival, following months without live music due to the pandemic.

Sabine Bester from band Kudu Joy and Tarik Stoneman from band Chase City will be performing at the festival. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“It’s really exciting to have something to look forward to and a show to play when the Falls Festival would usually be on — it’s something to fill that space,” she said.

“As a musician, playing gigs is my livelihood, so it’s really pleasing to see live music events returning.”

Vandemonian Touring director Brendan Self said he was thrilled to put together

“such a strong line-up”.

“With the void created by the cancellation of the Falls Festival and other events

we hope we can create a celebration all Tasmanians can enjoy,” Mr Self said.

“We want to see 2020 out in style.”

He said the events company was also working to secure a nearby venue to host an after-party to allow celebrations to continue until 4am.

“We also have some amazing and innovative food and beverage offerings but

many of those will be dependent on support from the state government and Hobart

Council,” he said.

It comes after the highly celebrated annual Falls and Taste festivals announced they would not go ahead this year.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has said the City of Hobart was working closely with government to deliver a New Year’s period event that would celebrate Tasmanian food and drink, the end of the year, and the strong community spirit in Hobart.

Tickets: $79+bf for General Admission and $140+bf for VIP. On sale soon.