The birthplace of Australia’s modern music festival is set to make noise once again, with the reimagined Sunbury Music Festival landing at The Nook on Saturday 18 April. Gates open from 1pm, kicking off eight hours of live music that leans into the past while carving out something new for today’s crowds.
Building on the legacy of the original Sunbury Pop Festival, which ran from 1972 to 1975 and helped define the country’s rock scene, this latest chapter continues a story that has shaped Australian music history. Last year’s Sunbury ‘24 marked a return after five decades, and now the festival moves forward with a refreshed identity and an all-ages focus.
This year’s line-up spans generations and genres. Headlining the bill is Australia’s Queen of Soul Marcia Hines, joined by pop rock favourites Rogue Traders featuring Natalie Bassingthwaighte and triple j mainstays Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers. The program also brings together a mix of sounds, from Aussie R&B staples The Badloves to indie country artist Ruby Mae and genre-blending eight piece JAZZPARTY.
The result is a day that feels deliberately broad, designed for long-time fans of the original era as well as younger audiences discovering Sunbury for the first time. It is as much about community as it is about music, with a focus on accessibility and shared experience.
Hume City Mayor Cr Carly Moore said, “We are proud to see the Sunbury Music Festival emerge as an exciting new event for Melbourne’s north, celebrating our music festival legacy while offering something fresh for audiences of all ages.”
“With artists ranging from the legendary Marcia Hines to much-loved acts like The Rogue Traders and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, this festival really is an experience for every generation.”
“Sunbury’s proud music heritage is well-known to locals, and we’re excited for visitors to enjoy the line-up and experience our vibrant city for themselves. It’s a great opportunity to support the local businesses that keep our community thriving.”
Tickets are on sale now, with further details available via hume.vic.gov.au/Sunbury-Music-Festival.
