The St Kilda foreshore again plays host to the iconic St Kilda Festival (SKF) when Victoria’s premier free live music event returns from 17-18 February, 2024.
Proudly presented by the City of Port Phillip, the Festival weekend will kick off with First Peoples First on Day 1, celebrating First Nations music, art, and culture from morning to night on Saturday.
The event’s traditional Big Festival Sunday follows on Day 2, offering a huge day of festivities and live performances from some of the biggest names in Australian music, taking to stages right around St Kilda.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the two-day format, which incorporated First Peoples First on Saturday in 2023, was a huge success in its inaugural year and attracted more than 375,000 live music lovers over the fun-filled weekend.
“We’re delighted First Peoples First is returning in 2024 as we again prepare to hold one of Australia’s oldest music festivals,” Cr Cunsolo said.
“More than 70 artists will be performing over two days at our 43rd SKF, with plenty of activations, community activities and family-friendly entertainment also on offer. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
The New Music Competition also returns as part of the Festival, giving 10 new and emerging bands and artists the opportunity to play a set of original music at the event. The winning act, as voted by the SKF audience, will take home a cash prize and a slot on the Main Stage at St Kilda Festival in 2025. Entries for the New Music Competition will open at 11 am on Monday 25 September.
EOI submissions for community groups looking to participate in the Festival, including local choirs, dance schools, performance collectives and more, can be made on the SKF website from 11 am on Monday 4 September until 5 pm on Monday 18 September. These will then be considered for the Big Festival Sunday program.
EOI submissions for local traders, including market stalls, food stalls and food trucks, can be made on the SKF website from 11 am on 11 September until 5 pm on Monday 2 October 2023.
The annual SKF brings both cultural and economic benefits to the City of Port Phillip.
This much-loved event is part of Port Phillip’s Council’s continuing efforts to support economic recovery, especially for local businesses, as residents and visitors flock to enjoy all that St Kilda offers. More widely, the direct attendee impact was $32.2 million for Victoria in 2023.
SKF also enhances St Kilda’s reputation as a live music hub, further bolstered earlier this year when the Port Phillip Council declared parts of St Kilda as Victoria’s first live music precinct.
Port Phillip’s diverse community is also celebrated through the community component.
Further details, including the full program, will be announced closer to the Festival.
To stay up to date with the latest news about the Festival, keep an eye on the St Kilda Festival website.
