NEW SOUTH WALES – As the end of the year approaches, the inevitable arrival of the season of joy, merry, and repetitive festive songs blared over loudspeakers in malls becomes more and more apparent.
And as the holiday season goes into full swing, the festivities will steadily build up to a crescendo. The result? An explosion of fireworks, music, and joyful atmosphere all-around, typically in the form of year-end festivals.
Speaking of festivals, Singapore is a country with its fair share of them. From cultural festivals to music fests to national day parades, Singaporeans do indeed find a reason to celebrate almost everything — which is a plus in our books.
But Singaporean partygoers and music lovers alike may want to consider taking their hard-earned moolah (and accumulated leaves) somewhere else to spend this coming year-end. After all, attending an amazing festival in an exotic destination is a “bucket list” level of a dream, no?
Enter sunny New South Wales, Australia.
This year, New South Wales plays host to a varied selection of festivals that will surely light up your festive spirits. And the best part is that these summer festivals (yes, summer just started in upside downtown, Australia) won’t leave you with a hole in your pocket.
So without further ado, here are some of the best upcoming summer festivals held in the laidback neighbourhood of New South Wales, Australia.
Fairgrounds Festival, South Coast
Situated in the idyllic town of Berri, the Fairgrounds Festival harks back to festivals of the 70s with gourmet eats, artisan markets, intimate artist experiences, and craft workshops.
In its fourth year running, the event is an intimate festival experience hosting a carefully curated line-up of international and local artists like The Pinheads, Lenka, and Liam Gallagher.
Visitors can enjoy locally-sourced gourmet food and premium wine and indulge in a luxurious glamping experience for that extra special something.
As for hotels, affordable accommodation can be found just within a 10-minute walk away from the festival. For instance, the Berri Hotel is priced at SGD 93 per night for two pax.
Festival Date: 6 December 2019 to 7 December 2019
Ticket Price: SGD 23 for children, SGD 56 for youths, and SGD 83 for adults
Good Things Festival, Sydney
Made for the punks, rockers, and metal enthusiasts, Good Things Festival is back to shake up Centennial Park with an exciting line-up of artists including Simple Plan, A Day To Remember, The Veronicas, and Bad Religion.
Set to take place in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane this coming December, this ground-breaking alternative summer festival promises an unforgettable day of good music and good fun.
The Alison Randwick Lodge can be found within walking distance (20 minutes) from the festival grounds. Book a room from SGD 127 per night.
Festival Date: 7 December 2019
Ticket Price: SGD 167 with an instalment option available (four instalment payments of SGD 47 each)
Lost Paradise, Central Coast
Lost Paradise is returning to the suburbs of Glenworth Valley for the sixth year running. This extravagant summer festival is the perfect way for music lovers to ring in the new year, featuring crowd favourites such as The Jungle Giants, Green Velvet, Hilltop Hoods, and Golden Features.
Visitors can also take part in yoga and healing arts workshops in Shambhala Fields, as well as the annual Fancy Dress Parade for New Year’s Eve.
Get into the festival spirit by camping on the festival grounds for the duration of the event. Moreover, you’ll also save on cash by pitching a tent in the general camping area as you aren’t required to pay any additional charge.
Festival Date: 28 December 2019 to 1 January 2020
Ticket Price: 3-day passes are priced at SGD 360
Parkes Elvis Festival, Central West
Coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday, the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival is an annual favourite event among locals and tourists alike, featuring more than 200 exciting events across a span of five days.
The festival celebrates the music and legend of the King of Rock and Roll, and visitors can participate in festival markets, boogie-woogie dance classes, and themed activities Elvis Karaoke, Elvis Gospel Service and Elvis Trivia.
Located some 10 minutes walk from the festival, the Hotel Gracelands is an affordable option for penny-pinching festival-goers at only SGD 130 per night.
Festival Date: 8 January 2020 to 12 January 2020
Ticket Price: SGD 57 to SGD 161
Sydney Festival, Sydney
Held every January, the prestigious Sydney Festival gives visitors the chance to kick off the new year with an exciting selection of international acts and audacious contemporary programming.
Known as the greatest artists’ festival in all of Australia, some highly-anticipated events include mesmerising dance performances by renowned dance companies like Colossus and avant-garde choreographer Dana Gingras; as well as a line-up of extraordinary theatre shows such as Joan Didion’s The White Album; the Dead Puppet Society’s Laser Beak Man; and Cassavetes’ cult movie classic Opening Night.
The Megaboom City Hotel is an affordable option which can be found a mere 10-minute walk away from the festival. Rooms start at SGD 92 per night.
Festival Date: 8 January 2020 to 26 January 2020
Ticket Price: SGD 36 to SGD 46
All images belong to Destination NSW.
