West Best Bloc Fest Newcastle debuts all-ages stage
The festival adds its first all-ages stage, funded by a state grant, and courts older audiences with established artists.
Bloc Fest is expanding in two directions. For the first time, it will run a dedicated all-ages stage in the EJE car park on King Street, headlined by Trophy Wyfe, who won triple j's Unearthed High competition in May.
Other all-ages acts include Anunnaki, Citruss, Cornea, Foiled Fishing Plans, Glycerine, Jetlag and The Sobars. Five venues will allow patrons under 18.
The expansion was funded by a Sound NSW grant. At the other end, the festival is now courting older audiences.
ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter William Crighton will headline, while several other Dashville regulars like Piper Butcher, Johnston City and Anna Weatherup are hoping to lure the over-40s crowds. This year's main event spans 80 sets from more than 300 musicians across 10 stages at nine venues.
- Sound NSW grant
- Funding source
- Won triple j's Unearthed High in May
- Trophy Wyfe achievement
Why it mattersThe festival now reaches young musicians and families while also attracting established older audiences, securing its place in Newcastle's cultural calendar.
AustraliaNewcastle's Midtown entertainment precinct strengthens as Bloc Fest widens its appeal across ages and draws more diverse crowds to local venues.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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