Great Southern Nights starts this Friday 1 May bringing a huge array of Australia’s finest acts to all corners of the state, supercharging arts and cultural events in NSW. A thoughtfully curated program, Great Southern Nights encourages shared experiences, cultural connection, travel and exploration all while supporting the creative arts industry and small businesses alike.

With live music and the first of four Gig Trails starting this Friday, excitement is palpable across the state. Artists like Hatchie, Gordi and the recently announced Rhythm Section Presents are completely sold out. Tickets to shows like Augie March, Beddy Rays, Jessica Mauboy, Hannah Joy, L.A.B, Larissa Lambert, MAY-A, Sons of the East, Steph Strings, Them & I and WILSN are selling fast.

Tickets to the return of Groovin the Moo, this time for a one off show in Lismore are mooo-ving quickly and Live Fest Dubbo, featuring Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and more is approaching sold out status. Live Fest is also set to light up Tamworth with a huge line up featuring Lime Cordiale, The Living End, Jet, Thelma Plum and Kita Alexander.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Over the next three weeks Great Southern Nights will show the power of live music to bring people together and create energy in communities right across NSW. When you see local venues buzzing and artists performing in big and small towns, you feel the impact these experiences have beyond the stage, particularly with local businesses and jobs that rely on the visitor economy.

“Great Southern Nights is exactly the kind of event that helps showcase what metro and regional NSW has to offer, it gives people a reason to turn a great night out into a greater weekend away and strengthens our state’s reputation as a nation leader in live music and cultural experiences.”

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: “Great Southern Nights is a celebration of everything people love about live music. It’s an open invitation for audiences right across NSW to join a statewide party this May, support the venues that keep music alive and see incredible Australian and international artists in every corner of the state.

"From the city to regional towns, this is live music at its best, bringing communities together and backing an industry that means so much to many. ARIA is proud to lead an initiative that puts Australian music front and centre where it belongs.”

Performing at the City Recital Hall on the opening day of Great Southern Nights, Jessica Mauboy said: "I’ve always believed live music brings people together in the most powerful way, and Great Southern Nights does that across the whole state. I can’t wait to get on stage and share that energy with everyone."

The diverse line up of artists coupled with the best live music venues across the state create the perfect occasion for visitors to turn a gig into an unforgettable weekend across Greater Sydney and NSW, exploring the state’s glittering coastline, thriving regional towns and stunning natural landscapes.

For tickets and more information, head to greatsouthernnights.com.au

Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).