A major Australian music festival is set to ride a new wave in 2026, expanding its reach through a significant partnership with the global surfing circuit. The Here Comes The Sun festival will join forces with the World Surf League (WSL) for three separate events tied to the Australian Championship Tour, bringing a stellar line-up of homegrown talent to surf-loving crowds.
A Tri-State Festival Tour
The festival will kick off its 2026 season at Torquay Common on April 4, syncing with the iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach weekend. It then returns to its original home in Western Australia at the 3 Oceans venue in Margaret River on April 25, perfectly timed with the Margaret River Pro. The three-event series will conclude on May 2 at the Gold Coast for the Gold Coast Pro weekend.
This expansion marks a strategic move for the festival, which has been synonymous with the Margaret River Pro for years. It first broadened its horizons eastward in 2024 to include the Bells Beach event, and the new partnership solidifies its national footprint alongside the country's premier surfing competitions.
All-Star Aussie Line-Up Confirmed
Concertgoers and surf fans across the three states will be treated to performances from some of Australia's most popular and emerging artists. The confirmed acts set to take the stage at all events include indie-pop favourites Lime Cordiale, high-energy outfit The Jungle Giants, and dynamic producer Young Franco.
They will be joined by the talented Sycco, Eliza & The Delusionals, and influencer-musician Mariae Cassandra, ensuring a diverse and electrifying soundtrack to the world-class surfing action.
"An Authentic Fit": Surf and Sound Unite
WSL APAC president Andrew Stark expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating the league was "stoked to partner" with the festival. "Music and surfing have always shared an authentic fit, and this partnership will continue to bring this to life at our icon events," Stark said.
Festival director and lifelong surfer Ross Macpherson revealed the WSL had been observing the festival's events for years, particularly after its successful expansion into Torquay. "Aligning with music events is a part of WSL’s goals for 2026 and beyond," Macpherson noted. "Given its relationship with surfing and coastal communities, Here Comes The Sun was a natural fit."
Headliners Lime Cordiale, the brother duo of Oliver and Louis Leimbach, joked about the long-awaited invitation. "We’re always touring during the WSL, but now we get to combine the two. Absolutely frothing," they said, with Louis adding, "Might even decide to compete if it’s big enough at Margs. Who knows?"
With this three-state expansion locked in for 2026, Macpherson hinted at even bigger plans, teasing "even more planned for 2027!", signalling a bright future for this fusion of coastal culture and live music.
