News June 12, 2018

WAMFest returning in November, artist applications open

Photo: Soukouss Internationale at WAMFest 2017. Credit: Josh Ludlow

One of WA’s biggest music events, WAMFest, is returning in November – and in 2018 organisers are determined to top last year’s record-breaking achievements.

In 2017, WAMFest drew 40,000, expanding to 57 venues and public spaces over two weekends. Live music events ran through Perth metro and WA regional areas.

New festival coordinators Mark Neal and Simon ‘Skinny’ O’Leary took on dual programming roles and as a result, substantially increased the number of local acts involved.

A new high of 304 local acts (representing 1,145 musicians) performed during the WAMFest Live events.

Alongside WAMCon coordinator Claire Hodgson and WAMAwards coordinator Kate Branson, the ambitious festival producing pair are committed to creating opportunities for WA artists as ever.

These are the key dates:

Thursday, November 1:

WAMAwards

Friday, November 2:

WAMCon: Day One at The State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth.

Exclusive VIP Quay Note Boat Party: on the Swan River.

WAMFest Live Friday: WA music showcases with a focus on Perth city venues.

Saturday, November 3:

WAMCon: Day Two at The State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth.

WAMFest Live Saturday: A full day of free music events right across Northbridge, including the return of the Lot Party at Lot 10 South, adjacent to the newly completed Yagan Square.

There will be a number of regional and local council events in the weeks leading up, to be revealed.

WAMFest has also opened artist applications.

There are opportunities to perform at venues and public stages throughout Perth and Northbridge, the massive all-day Lot Party, and a series of local council and regional mini-fests.

One lucky act gets the chance to play onboard the exclusive Quay Note Boat Party, before conference delegates and VIP guests.

All artists will also have the chance to feature on the Kiss My WAMi compilation CD, which is distributed to industry representatives and media ahead of the festival.

Artist applications close at 11.59 pm Sunday, July 1, and can be found here.

It’s free for WAM members and $20 for non-members.