NT’s BASSINTHEGRASS to expand after 2019 move to Mindil Beach

The Northern Territory’s biggest music festival, Darwin’s BASSINTHEGRASS, is about to get bigger in 2019 – starting with a move to Mindil Beach to expand its crowd size.

It is part of the NT government’s $103 million new tourism stimulus package which it calls Tubocharging Tourism.

The festival, which turns 17 next year, will be marketed heavily around the country to draw a wider crowd.

In line with other major events such as the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars, NT Major Events will develop other events around BASSINTHEGRASS to encourage interstate visitors to stay longer in the NT and spend more.

The move to Mindil Beach will allow organisers to set up a second stage, expand the lineup and introduce more hospitality and facilities for attendees.

Minister for tourism and culture, Lauren Moss said: “BASSINTHEGRASS is a much-loved Territory institution and a highpoint on young Territorians’ social calendar.

“We are very excited to be giving it a boost as part of the Territory Labor government’s record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus which will see it become a fixture on the national music calendar, attracting more young people to the Territory to enjoy this unique event.

“The expansion of BASSINTHEGRASS is fantastic for the local Darwin community who will not only see the tourism benefits from an expanded festival but also now have even more music and entertainment to experience themselves.

“As part of Turbocharging Tourism, we are investing in our events and festivals because we know that they bring visitors to the Territory, putting money into the economy and creating jobs.”

BASSINTHEGRASS has been staged at Darwin Auditorium since 2003.

Initiated and funded by the NT government, it has been able to draw the biggest and most expensive acts in the country.

Past acts have included Silverchair, Powderfinger, Hilltop Hoods, The Living End, Illy, Paul Kelly, Dean Lewis, Angus & Julia Stone, Jet and Birds of Tokyo.

It has continually sold out, but crowd size iscapped at 7,000 for security reasons.

BASSINTHEGRASS, also allowed NT acts as At The Dakota, Shellie Morris, Sophie Koh, Vassy and Enth Degree to play to their biggest home audiences.