Newcastle festival receives $75,000 live music audience grant

newy.com.au – Newcastle’s West Best Bloc Fest has received $75,000 in NSW Government funding as part of a new grants program aimed at building audiences for live music events and venues.

The funding is included in the first round of Local Audience Development Grants, which will support 28 events and venues with up to $100,000 each. The program is designed to help the grassroots music sector attract and retain audiences through local music festivals, all-ages gigs, digital platforms and content.

The NSW Government says the support will help West Best Bloc Fest strengthen its offering to the local community and continue developing as an event capable of drawing more visitors to Newcastle.

The live music sector has faced sustained financial pressure since the COVID pandemic, with rising costs and changing audience patterns affecting venues, festivals and performers. The grants build on a series of government measures intended to support the industry, including emergency funding for music festivals, recording and touring grants, venue upgrade and soundproofing support, and incentives for major touring acts to book local support artists.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the local festival had become an important part of Newcastle’s music scene.

“West Best Bloc Fest is one of the most exciting and important events for local musicians and music lovers.

“The festival activates multiple local businesses and venues and offers a stage and exposure to new audiences for local artists of all ages and genres.”

“The NSW Labor Government introduced these grants because we want to see music festivals, venues, and artists thrive in our state.”

Founder of West Best Bloc Fest Dylan Oakes said the funding would help the event continue to showcase Hunter talent.

“West Best Bloc Fest is entering its fifth year and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

“With the help of this grant, we can continue to provide a stage for upcoming and established talent from Newcastle and the Hunter region.”