Bendigo isn’t always the first place to come to mind when you think of massive festival locations. But this year’s inaugural Bendigo Autumn Music festival is going to change that.
Their massive lineup is eclectic and diverse, with music, arts, performance, and workshops coming to Bendigo this April. The all-ages festival is the third addition to Red Square Music’s festival roster, alongside Bello Winter Music and Mullum Music Festival in New South Wales. Below we have for you the ultimate guide for what you can expect over the three day event.
Bendigo Autumn Music festival is a multi-venue, multi-day, music and arts extravaganza that will have something for everyone.
Arts
BAM Promises to have a full program of arts events accompanying their musical artists that will keep even the most discerning punter engaged. From exclusive film screenings and Q&A sessions to comedy hours and variety shows, this year’s Bendigo Autumn Music will have something for everyone.
There are also a tonne of workshops running over the weekend, from drumming and ukulele to gospel and choir singing workshops, all run by professionals in their field. And the kids won’t be left out either. BAM brings the WOMADelaide festival hit The Amazing Drumming Monkeys, street performances and circus events to delight any child who comes across them.
Lineup
This festival’s lineup is quite frankly insane. The list of artists is so exhaustive and diverse, there’s no way you could be bored. With headliners the likes of Kurt Vile and the Violators, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks and Mojo Juju, you know it’s gonna be a big one.
With a total list of 85 artists announced, with still more to come, the three day event is sure to draw some impressive crowds. Head here for the full lineup.
Youth Mentorship Program
The inaugural Bendigo Autumn Music festival is also proud to announce the Youth Mentorship Program. Offering the opportunity for young artists to be paired up with an established mentor in their field, this program is the perfect opportunity for any fresh artists to get their start.
This years mentors feature Henry James Angus of The Cat Empire, Nkechi Anele and Liam McGorry from Saskwatch, Thando, Lamine Sonko of Lamine Sonko & the African Intelligence, and Skyscraper Stan.
Applications are open now, so if this sounds like something you’d be keen for, hop to it. Click here for more information and how to apply.
Green Music Initiative
Partnering with Green Music Australia, BAM have made the commitment to be a green festival with as little environmental impact as possible. In a statement released by organisers, Director Glenn Wright said that minimising impact and celebrating local venues was of the utmost importance for them.
“Putting on a festival in the heart of a regional centre… means no portaloos are needed, no chairs need to be hired, no marquees, no elaborate stages and sound systems, no lighting rigs. There are existing dance floors, parking, bars, toilets and staff who know these venues inside out… The festival is designed for punters to explore on foot – with all venues under 10 minutes walk from each other, it’s good for the environment, and good for the festival atmosphere.”
Furthermore, they have committed to using only reusable cups, putting in place a cup swap system, and having water refilling stations all across the event to encourage punters to bring their own bottles.
Accommodation
For those travelling for the multi-day event and looking for a place to crash, the town of Bendigo has plenty of accommodation options, including pubs, hotels, AirBnBs, and campgrounds. For more info, BAM have put together a handy list to check out on their website.
Tickets and More Info
The festival runs in and around Bendigo city from Thursday 25th April to Sunday 28th April. If this sounds like your kind of festival (and honestly, why wouldn’t it?) you can head to their website for more details, or click here to get your hands on some tickets.
