The Long Weekender to showcase the best of Victorian live music

AAR-The-Teskey-Brothers-photo-by-Nick-MckkThe Victorian Government is backing Victoria’s live music scene with a free online festival over the long weekend featuring some never before seen footage of some of Victoria’s most iconic festivals and musicians.

Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson has announced that $360,000 will go directly to artists and festival organisers to air six hours of quality footage that showcases why Victoria is the live music capital of Australia.

“Our live music scene is resilient, but we know they’ve had it tough this past year and that’s why we’ve invested over $25 million in direct support for the industry – with this online festival providing more direct relief to artists,” said Minister Pearson.

“Live music is such an integral part of Victorian culture and our artists and festivals are recognised right across the globe so jump online this Monday for your chance to see our world-class performers shine.”

Hosted by music legend Myf Warhurst, the online event, The Long Weekender will take viewers through specially curated sets from Victorian festivals including Falls Festival, Meredith, Queenscliff, Golden Plains, Brunswick Music Festival, SummerSalt Festival, Yirramboi Festival and A Day On The Green.

Victorian music will be celebrated with electrifying sets from local artists including You Am I, Mo’ju, The Cat Empire, Frente!, Courtney Barnett, Magic Dirt, The Teskey Brothers, and The Black Sorrows.

The festival can be streamed on the Victoria Together website – an online platform that hosts a range of digital content and virtual experiences for Victorians right across the state. Viewers will have the ability to pause, rewind and fast forward the virtual festival between midday and midnight on Monday 14 June.

More information will go live across the weekend on the Victoria Together website including information on timetabling, how to reserve a free ticket and receive a reminder before the festival goes live.

The Government has a long track record of supporting the music industry, including through Victoria’s landmark Music Works program. Almost $11 million is being invested in the program over the next four years to help our hard?hit music industry reactivate, with specific support to nurture young emerging talent and help tours get back on the road.

Almost 50 Victorian musicians, bands and music businesses have been awarded grants totaling more than $950,000, through the latest round of the program. The Victorian Live Music Venues Program also provided $15 million in relief funding to more than 170 live music venues across the state.

The Victorian Music Industry Recovery program has supported more than 130 Victorian music businesses and a Regional and Peri-Urban Live Music program will deliver more local live music events with $5 million in funding.


The Long Weekender will take place on Monday 14 June from Midday. For more information, visit: www.together.vic.gov.au or www.cinema3.acmi.net.au for details.

Image: The Teskey Brothers – photo by Nick Mckk