Laneway Festival has become the latest event to participate in the NSW Government's drug-checking trial, marking the first time Australia's biggest festival will offer pill testing on site. The Sydney leg, returning to Centennial Park on Sunday, February 8, will be the 11th festival to take part in the trial.
Festivalgoers will be able to anonymously test substances, with health staff providing rapid analysis and harm-reduction advice. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the service aims to help individuals avoid dangerous substances and make safer choices, though it does not make drug use safe.
Laneway's 2026 edition also features significant venue changes across Australia. The festival returns to Centennial Park in Sydney and Flemington Park in Melbourne, while Perth moves to Arena Joondalup and Adelaide to the Adelaide Showgrounds. For the first time, Laneway will not be held in Brisbane, instead shifting to Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast in 2026.
Festival director Jessie Parker said safety remains the top priority, and the drug-checking trial supports informed decision-making among attendees. The NSW trial will run across up to 12 festivals until the end of February before undergoing an independent review.
Laneway's 2026 lineup is headlined by pop star Chappell Roan, who will perform her only local shows at the festival. Last year's event, featuring Charli XCX, attracted more than 200,000 fans across Australia and New Zealand.
