No cancellations here. Despite setbacks faced by larger festivals, Stonefest charges ahead in 2024 with a stellar lineup. Photo: Stonefest.
Stonefest is back with a bang in 2024 and is ready to show other festivals that Canberra’s live music scene is worth it.
It comes with a lineup reminiscent of the days before COVID, when festivals and concerts were king. These days, tickets are bought with no small amount of apprehension, which is something Stonefest wants to change.
With two stages and a packed roster featuring talented artists from all over, the legacy music festival is keen to welcome thousands of passionate musos to the crowd on the University of Canberra (UC) Lawns in October.
Just some of the acts slated to grace the stage include Teenage Dads, The Buoys, Mansionair, Wallabindi and Sonic Reducer. Also joining the fray is Canberra homegrown artist Lucy Sugerman.
Known for her ‘sixth sense for storytelling’, Lucy’s music is described as quirky, genre-defying and youthful yet poised – and her art shows no signs of slowing down.
“Stonefest has a special place in my heart for many reasons – but mostly because it’s a festival born and raised in Canberra, like me, that really supports local,” she says.
“I love that it’s amazing value-for-money, especially in these times, and being an independent, smaller festival, you can tell there’s a lot of care put into it.”
Lucy is excited to see her fellow musicians perform, including MAY-A and Jett Blyton. Her own performance promises new songs, colours and chaotic banter alongside her five-piece band.
Lucy Sugerman joins a legacy of iconic acts welcomed by Stonefest over the last two decades, including Birds of Tokyo, Example, Skeggs and Vera Blue. Photo: Ruby Boland.
Lucy recognises that live music and festivals are taking a hit across the world due to a number of factors but says it’s up to the audience to decide what they value and put their hands up in support.
“Cultural and artistic events like Stonefest are essential to functioning and thriving cities and towns, facilitating togetherness and connection in such a strong way,” she says.
“In order for them to keep going in this country, we must vote with our dollar by supporting locally where we can, as well as letting our neighbours, communities, government and business stakeholders know we care about ensuring music events like this can continue.”
Victorian indie rock band Teenage Dads shares Lucy’s sentiment. Stonefest will be the guys’ first time being top of the bill on a festival lineup, and they’re excited to play in Canberra.
“Keeping festivals regional has a lot of benefits,” the band says.
“Arts and music festivals can be a great boost to the local economy and are also a great way to get smaller local artists in front of an audience that they mightn’t get to play to on their own.
“We are looking forward to carrying on the fun time everyone will be having.”
UCLive associate director Charlotte Anderson-Clift shares Lucy’s sentiment and enthusiasm, noting a ‘robust demand’ for live music in Canberra this year.
“While the challenges facing festivals have deeply impacted the music industry, we’re committed to upholding Stonefest’s legacy and pressing forward,” she says.
“Celebrations surrounding the original Stone Day have been ingrained in the Canberra community for over five decades, and we’re committed to its continuity.
“We’re fortunate to host such an event, and it’s crucial that we invite others to join us on this journey and contribute to the vitality of live music in Canberra.”
Stonefest 2024 will be held on Saturday, 19 October, on the University of Canberra (UC) Lawns.
Tickets are on sale now. UC students get access to a 50 per cent discount. For more information, visit Stonefest.
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