Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:41 am GMT
After a five-year hiatus, triple j’s One Night Stand festival is ready to make its return this weekend, drawing music fans from far and wide to Warrnambool, Victoria. The festival, known for spotlighting emerging talent and offering an array of entertainment, will feature popular acts such as G Flip and Ruel, along with local artists, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere in the community.
Festival Highlights and Artist Lineup
More than 15,000 attendees are expected at Friendly Societies’ Park on Saturday, September 14, 2024. This year’s lineup includes a mix of established and rising stars. Alongside G Flip and Ruel, fans will enjoy performances from Thelma Plum and local musician Flynn Gurry, providing a platform for regional talent amid a stellar showcase.
The extraordinary growth and popularity of One Night Stand over two decades highlight its role in the Australian music landscape. With over 2,000 submissions from listeners for the festival location, Warrnambool emerged as the chosen town, emphasizing the community’s eagerness to host such an event.
Police Preparations to Ensure Safety
As the festival weekend approaches, the Warrnambool police force is ramping up its presence to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. Senior Sergeant Alanna McDonald stated that both uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be on foot patrol to maintain public order.
- Additional resources from the state highway patrol will be deployed on major roads.
- Officers will focus on pedestrian safety due to expected large crowds.
- While the event is alcohol-free, police will monitor for anti-social behavior and substance misuse.
McDonald noted the department has been collaborating closely with local authorities and event organizers. “We are expecting a very safe, family-friendly event, but as always, police are well equipped and prepared to crack down on any troublemakers in the city,” she said.
Local Music Scene Faces Challenges
Despite the excitement surrounding One Night Stand, local musicians express concerns about the dwindling live music opportunities in the region. Warrnambool recently lost its only dedicated live music venue, which has left musicians feeling disconnected from performance opportunities.
Evie Dalton, a 19-year-old artist from nearby Port Fairy, voiced her frustrations. Performing under the name Evie Mae, she has released an EP and participated in various local festivals. However, she noted that the closure of venues has limited chances for aspiring performers.
The Impact of Venue Closures
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated the loss of over 1,300 music venues across Australia. Regional areas, such as Warrnambool, feel the impact even more acutely because they often have very few options available. While Dalton has moved to Melbourne for more opportunities, she wishes she had experienced more local gigs in her formative years.
“There’s such a disparity between living regionally and living in metropolitan cities,” she said. Dalton hopes that the upcoming festival will inspire local musicians and rekindle interest in live performances, highlighting a pressing need for dedicated music spaces in Warrnambool.
Future Prospects for Local Venues
While the future of live music in the area seems uncertain, a local restaurant plans to expand its facilities to include a space for live performances within the next year. This development could provide a much-needed platform for musicians in the region.
Dalton, reflecting on her aspirations, emphasized the importance of such venues: “Without places for bands to play, it’s hard for the community to learn about live music and develop a local scene.”
Wrapping Up the Music Experience
As Warrnambool gears up for One Night Stand, the festival not only serves as a significant cultural event, it also underscores the challenges faced by local artists in regional Australia. While the festivities promise to deliver exceptional performances from both prominent and budding musicians, there remains an urgent need for a revived live music scene that nurtures talent and connects artists with their communities.
The festival is a fun celebration that everyone looks forward to, and it also helps us remember how important local arts and music are. As community leaders and officials try to make the cultural scene safer and more exciting, we hope that Warrnambool’s music scene will grow and give more chances for local talent to shine.
