The iconic Gum Ball festival is gearing up for a landmark celebration, revealing a royally impressive first wave of artists for its 21st anniversary party in the Hunter Valley next year.
A Stellar First Announcement for a Milestone Year
Returning to its beloved home at Dashville in Lower Belford from April 24 to 26, 2025, the festival has pulled out all the stops. Topping the bill is the acclaimed Arnhem Land surf-rock outfit King Stingray, marking a triumphant return after their breakout 2021 appearance. The Australian Music Prize winners and multi-ARIA nominees are set to headline the anniversary festivities.
They are joined by an exceptional array of Australian talent. The line-up features ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Megan Washington and legendary Cold Chisel pianist and songwriter Don Walker. Also confirmed are energetic rock acts like Kingswood, Sydney punk band These New South Whales, and the powerful Hunter Valley-based storyteller William Crighton.
Deep Line-up and Local Flavour
The first announcement is packed with diverse sounds. Fans can look forward to sets from You Am I's Davey Lane, rockers Vasco Era, and indie stalwarts Bluebottle Kiss. The bill further includes Jazz Party, Mylee Grace, Mess Esque, Sub-Tribe, Brown Spirits, The Roadtrippers, Joan & The Giants, Dana Gehrman, Alter Boy, Milly Strange, Warbaby, Timothy Nelson, and Benji & The Saltwater Soundsystem.
Newcastle will be well represented, with local acts Regikay, Fahm, and Chain Daisy set to fly the flag for the region's vibrant music scene.
Artist Highlights and New Music
The festival holds special significance for King Stingray, who first graced the Gum Ball stage as relative unknowns in 2021, just before their self-titled debut album catapulted them to national acclaim. Their previous performance was so electrifying that the audience demanded a rare encore, a testament to their captivating live energy.
For William Crighton, his appearance will be part of a national tour supporting his forthcoming fourth album, 'Colonial Drift', which is set for release on March 20, 2025. The album, which features co-writes with Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst, follows his ARIA Award-winning 2022 record 'Water and Dust'. The first single, 'Further Down the Road', was released last week.
Tickets for the 21st anniversary Gum Ball festival are now on sale through the official festival website, promising a weekend of exceptional music and community spirit in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
