With the Summer season upon us, festivals are popping up left, right and centre with Nightjar Festival kicking things off for the new year.
In a world where the corporate giants of the entertainment industry dominate the landscape, it’s crucial to support independent festivals that truly embody the spirit of community and creativity. Live Nation, one of the biggest players in the global music industry, continues to acquire and align itself with festivals and venues, bringing with it massive resources but also the risk of homogenising our vibrant, local scene.
Nightjar Festival
- Where: Torquay Commons, Torquay
- When: Friday 3 January, Friday 10 January
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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While there’s no denying the draw of big-name headliners and massive budgets, we can’t afford to let independent Australian festivals fade into the background. At the core of these grassroots events is something money simply can’t buy: authenticity. Independent festivals, like Nightjar Festival, not only provide a platform for homegrown Australian musicians but also create a vibrant space where communities can come together and celebrate. They are incubators for talent, providing a platform for rising stars, and they remain committed to showcasing a diverse and eclectic music scene. Without these festivals, many local musicians wouldn’t have the chance to perform in front of enthusiastic audiences or share their talent with the wider community.
Why Independent Festivals Matter
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Australia’s music festivals have long been a breeding ground for the nation’s most iconic artists. From busking sets to electrifying live performances, they provide the lifeblood for musicians trying to make their mark in an industry that often feels ruthless. Independent festivals celebrate innovation and originality, offering audiences something fresh and meaningful compared to high profile line ups often found at corporate events.
These festivals also encourage inclusivity and diversity, with line ups that reflect a genuine commitment to showcasing new talent and niche genres. By contrast, larger festivals tend to prioritize commercial success, often cycling through the same big-name acts. The uniqueness of smaller, independent festivals ensures that every event feels special, with curated line ups that speak to the individuality of their audience.
Building Community
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Festivals are about more than music; they’re about people. Independent events provide the perfect setting for connection, whether it’s dancing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers and sharing that knowing smile or striking up conversations with local artisans selling their wares.
By attending independent festivals, you’re not just buying a ticket to hear live music—you’re investing in your local community. These events are lifelines for small businesses, food vendors, and local suppliers. They inject money into local economies, creating opportunities for everyone from people with local accommodation to lighting technicians. Supporting these festivals means keeping money in the community and ensuring a sustainable ecosystem where creativity can flourish.
Challenges in a Corporate Era
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The rise of industry behemoths means that independent festivals face more challenges than ever. Corporate festivals have resources to buy up prime calendar slots, outbid on artist fees, and flood the market with advertising. The competition is fierce, and for many smaller events, it’s not just about selling tickets—it’s about survival.
That’s why showing up matters. When you attend an independent festival, you’re casting your vote for the kind of events you want to see thrive: one where local talent is celebrated, communities are strengthened, and artists are given opportunities to shine.
Nightjar Festival: A Celebration of Independence
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Enter the Nightjar Festival, now entering its 15th year and proudly returning to Torquay this January. A testament to the power of grassroots creativity, Nightjar has always been about supporting independent Australian musicians, artisans, and food vendors. Pre-COVID, the festival attracted over 55,000 attendees—a clear sign of its resonance with the community.
This year’s line up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. It’s the kind of line up that makes you feel proud to be part of Australia’s music scene—raw, real, and unapologetically creative.But Nightjar isn’t just about the music. It’s about the whole experience: browsing
through handmade stalls, giving everyone an opportunity to experience a music festival, feasting on incredible food from local suppliers, and soaking up the atmosphere with a cold drink in hand. It’s about showing up for the people who make these events happen and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Keep Festivals Alive
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Now, more than ever, independent festivals need your support. By attending events like Nightjar, you’re not just enjoying a night out—you’re ensuring the survival of a vital part of Australia’s cultural fabric. Together, we can keep the music playing, the creativity flowing, and the community thriving.
So grab your tickets, rally your mates, and come experience the magic of independent festivals. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, celebrating everything that makes Australia’s music and arts scene so extraordinary.
See you at Nightjar! Purchase your tickets to Nightjar Festival here.
