While the Australian music scene has undoubtedly been something of a ghost town in recent months, organisers of the beloved Falls Festival have outlined their plans to go ahead with an All-Australian lineup for their upcoming event.
Held annually across the new year period since 1993, Falls Festival is arguably one of the longest-running music festivals in the country, drawing in thousands of punters to its numerous legs around Australia each year.
While their 2019/20 event saw the majority of its Lorne leg cancelled due to extreme heat and bushfire fears, the current COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly raised some concerns about its next event at the end of 2020.
However, in a statement shared by Falls Festival organisers Jess Ducrou and Paul Piticco earlier today, the team have outlined their plans to move ahead with the upcoming festival, and announced they’ll be hosting a “home grown” lineup as well.
“Today we are excited to let you know that we’re working towards Falls Festival Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 and that it will feature a limited edition, all Australian lineup,” the statement reads.
“As Australia heads towards the recovery phase of COVID-19 we have decided to move forward with optimism, and work towards presenting our Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 event in a way that will best bolster Australia’s live music industry.
“We have some of the most exciting acts in the world and this special “home grown” edition of Falls will ensure that money stays in our local economy, providing maximum financial benefit for the Australian music community – artists, management, crew, agents, roadies, production etc – as well as the thousands of contractors and suppliers who rely on our events for their income.”
Of course, this announcement of a home grown lineup should come as no surprise, really, with The Industry Observer having previously predicted that local lineups will be the way of the immediate future.
Falls Festival also revealed that they will be working towards raising funds for Support Act to ensure those affected by shutdowns receive the aid they need. Currently, it’s unclear when the festival will share information regarding its 2020/21 event, but organisers state they’ll be working alongside health authorities and will provide information as it becomes available.
“Health and safety is always our number one priority, so as the recovery process begins and more information becomes available, we will continue working with and taking direction from the health authorities,” the statement continues.
“Today we’re letting you know that while we’re living in strange times, we’re choosing the bright side. Our team is moving ahead and we hope we’ll be seeing you all in December/January for an all Aussie edition of Falls Festival.”
The 2019/20 edition of Falls Festival featured a star-studded lineup that included the likes of Halsey, Vampire Weekend, Yungblud, Disclosure, Peking Duk, and John Farnham.
