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Great Southern Nights has added two huge free outdoor program highlights on the final weekend in March 2024.

Newcastle and the vibrant Hollywood Quarter in inner Sydney are set to steal the spotlight on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March with their unique contribution to this year’s celebration of live music.

Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter precinct in Surry Hills is set to transform into a haven for music lovers with the introduction of the Great Southern Nights Gig Trail from midday on Saturday 23 March. Supported by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown program, Hollywood Quarter is bursting with cultural expression and the curated walk invites music lovers to embark on a live music journey as streetlights shine down on performances at a range of nearby venues. With each offering a unique music and dining experience, participants will be guided towards Ace Hotel Sydney, The Soda Factory, Alberto’s Lounge, The Burdekin, Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Hollywood Hotel, Hotel Harry, Butter and The Paramount House Hotel.

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Known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene, Newcastle is gearing up to host its own colourful street party in collaboration with the King Street Hotel. The adjacent Steel Street will be closed off to make way for music enthusiasts and festival goers alike to enjoy a weekend of free programming, festival inspired cocktails, mocktails and sizzling street food that will transport you to the lively streets of Mexico and beyond.

With catchy hooks and thought-provoking lyrics, Drapht will take over the stage on Saturday in King St Hotel from 8pm after a full free afternoon program outside with the likes of local legends Trophy Eyes, Loons, Butterknife and PIT.

On Sunday, families are encouraged to join in the fun with dedicated children’s activities such as face painting and roving entertainment with crowd favourites Hot Potato Band, DJ K-Lee, Jump and Skyepaint culminating at 7pm with one of Sydney’s finest party starter duos, Sneaky Sound System. The captivating sounds of Ruby Fields will fill King Street Hotel’s Warehouse twice, with an all-ages matinee session at 4pm and headlining at 8pm.

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News of these program highlights come just days before the Great Southern Nights series kicks off, with 300 live gigs across Sydney’s inner city, Western Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and the Northern Rivers. Taking over NSW from 8 to 24 March 2024, Great Southern Nights creates the perfect opportunity for music lovers to plan an unforgettable trip to Greater Sydney and NSW.

Great Southern Nights tickets are a hot commodity across the state and beyond with some shows selling out in no time, including Kate Miller Heidke, G Flip, Dan Sultan, The Presets, Barkaa, Montaigne, Pacific Avenue, Jon Stevens, Xavier Rudd, Kita Alexander, The Cruel Sea and Hoodoo Gurus. Others like Ball Park Music, Kate Ceberano, Richard Clapton, Gretta Ray and Kasey Chambers are fast approaching sold out status.

The opening weekend has something for every musical taste with limited tickets remaining for a diverse range of artists playing across NSW including DJ sets from Anna Lunoe and Ninajirarchi, songwriting maestros Alex Lahey and Gordi, hip hop gurus Hermitude and Australian rock royalty, The Church.

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Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Activating the much-loved venues and streets of Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter will create a vibrant musical haven in the heart of Surry Hills, while Newcastle’s King Street Hotel and surrounding venues and streets will host a two-day street party that’s not to be missed.

“Through programs like Great Southern Nights we are invigorating precincts to deliver world-class cultural experiences that showcase NSW’s creative sector and give businesses the confidence to invest. We want to see music, entertainment and culture out on the footpaths, creating energy and encouraging people to embrace our nightlife.”

CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd said: “I’d love to see Sydney and our regional cities enjoy live music inside and outside venues, where passers-by can encounter exceptionally talents artists performing in public spaces, adding to the lively atmosphere of destinations. I think it’s a clever way to drive audience development and weave music into the fabric of cities. It’s also the final chance for people to experience the last weekend of Great Southern Nights, so I encourage people to get out and enjoy some great live music!”

A spokesperson for the Hollywood Quarter precinct said “We’re excited to host Great Southern Nights here at Hollywood Quarter. With a mix of pubs, restaurants and bars hosting live music – add to that some of the best hospitality in Sydney – you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to a good night out.”

A spokesperson for the King Street Hotel, Newcastle said: “We’re excited to take part in the Great Southern Nights Street Party. I think Newcastle as a city has really matured and grown, and to see events like this be supported by our state & local government is fantastic, this event and all the other amazing shows happening around Newcastle is great for our economy” 

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Tickets to all shows are on sale now, available from greatsouthernnights.com.au

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Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

About Destination NSW

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW is responsible for leading the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 in partnership with government and industry. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

About ARIA

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is a national industry association with more than 175 members representing major and independent record producers, manufacturers, and distributors. ARIA acts as an advocate for the Australian music industry, administers the labelling code of practice, and compiles industry information and research. It also produces the ARIA Charts every week and the annual ARIA Awards. Most importantly, ARIA supports Australian music and creates opportunities for it to be heard.

We acknowledge First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and sovereign custodians of the lands on which we work, live and where our event takes place. We recognise their continued connection to Country and their respective nations across this continent and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also celebrate the unique and inspiring creativity and Songlines of the world’s oldest living culture and give thanks for the immeasurable influence First Nations People continue to have over the music and art we enjoy.

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AMNPLIFY – DB