- intouch Magazine
THE GUM BALL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2024
We’re quite fortunate in the Hunter Valley to have some great live music events, but one of the most treasured without a doubt, has to be The Gum Ball.
Now celebrating it’s 19th chapter, the weekend long cultural escape has built an enviable reputation across Australia (and the world) for its grass roots evolution into a supreme boutique family friendly offering, tucked away at Dashville, the 100 acre bushland venue and campground at Lower Belford.
Held over the last weekend of the April school holidays (NSW) running Thursday 25th April, through to Sunday 28th April 2024, even after so many years, it’s hard to believe that the festival is still considered somewhat a hidden gem in its local area, yet boasts an enviable reputation as one of the best laid-back festivals in existence across the world.
In 2024, the festival reminds us again as to why, with a well-considered and diverse line up, full of discovery and intrigue. Featuring 36 artists, from across Australia and overseas, a mix of both emerging and well-established artists play one-by-one on the intimate bushland amphitheatre.
Artist such as Dan Sultan, Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds, Tropical F*ck Storm, Lachy Doley Group, Emily Wurramara, Dallas Crane and even ABC Kids superstars Teeny Tiny Stevies, will all take their turn to wow the audience.
The natural bushland space of Dashville makes for an incredible home away from home and The Gum Ball is their flagship event of the year. It’s a comfortable and inclusive festival experience, connecting music lovers from all walks and ages of life. One big central stage presents a three-day musical journey as artists perform one by one, amongst the big tall gum trees that wrap across the idyllic arena space.
Expect an incredible journey of live music alongside a whole bunch of other activity including live visual arts, comedy and cabaret, pro skateboarding demos, vintage markets, cultural workshops, wellness and healing zone, circus activities and more.
Whilst it is typically a camping festival, there is also an option for single day tickets for those who would like to try it on for size.
Organisers encourage those requiring special assistance to reach out to the venue if they’d like a site inspection prior to the event, as the venue endeavours to be an accessible venue for the public with a myriad of paved areas, pathways and central accessible podium.
Parents listen up as the festival also has a pretty impressive Youth Mentorship opportunity for budding young teenagers interested in music! It’s known as The Young Gums Youth Mentorship and applications are open until March 25.
The immersive project selects ten teenagers, who take a five-day journey alongside music professionals, to perform on the main stage on the final day of the festival. Pretty cool hey!
For more info on The Gum Ball’s go to www.thegumball.com.au
THE YOUNG GUMS YOUTH MENTORSHIP
Organisers of the Gum Ball festival, Dashville are also excited to announce the return of the Young Gums Youth Mentorship Project. Young Gums is an immersive five-day music-based learning experience for 10 regional high school kids aged 14-18 who are interested in music festival production and events. The program runs across the festival weekend, kicking off Wednesday 24th April and concluding with a final main stage performance on Sunday 28th April.
Applications for Young Gums close March 20th 2024 and require parental consent. Apply here.
Head to the Dashville website to find out more.
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