Stellar line up aims to entertain after one-year hiatus
The Northern Beaches Music Festival is back with a vengeance this year, promising two days of the best of local and National talent at the Tramshed Community Arts Centre in Narrabeen on 1 and 2 November.
Established in 2011, the not-for-profit event was canned in 2024 due to escalating costs and this year you won’t see the free community stage on Berry Reserve due to lack of funds.
But never fear as thirty acts across three indoor and weatherproof stages will certainly knock your socks off with a variety of musical genres – so there’s something for everyone.
From contemporary folk, blues to bluegrass, gypsy jazz to Irish jigs, Middle Eastern dance to cabaret, country to a cappella choir, the 2025 festival is a pure celebration of all types of music.
The festival’s executive producer Paul Robertson says their main aim is to produce and present musicians including up and coming talent and provide and create venues to promote live music. Paul says that 50% of the acts this year are Beaches’ locals. We sure breed some great talent here on the Beaches!
“The talent is outstanding,” says Paul. “And there’s an incredible variety – it’s live music at its best. The Green Mohair Suits are just wonderful – that’s Jason from Mona Vale Music and his band, and Fred Smith who’s known nationally as an incredible artist. We have Ami Williamson who is music icon John Williamson’s daughter, she’s an incredible cabaret performer, and Beaches’ local Luke Escombe, who is just a genius. There’s Middle Eastern dance music, Irish music with The Full Irish – a great line up.”
Incidentally, Luke Escombe is an ARIA-nominated artist who allegedly has ‘Sydney’s sexiest man voice.’ Come along and see if it’s true!
Each of the venues will seat 100 people cabaret-style with tables and chairs and faux candles, and you can even bring your own food and drinks.
“We’re making it very affordable,” says Paul. “And we’re making relationships with local restaurants and takeaways to offer 10% discount and delivery.”
There is a host of world food restaurants in Narrabeen including burgers, fish and chips, Lebanese, Spanish tapas, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Indian. Add Woollies and a bottle shop and it couldn’t be easier!
Tickets are $100 for a whole weekend pass, $70 for the Saturday and $50 for the Sunday and you can easily move between stages, making the most of the day.
The festival is held with the support of sponsors Radio Northern Beaches, Torraca Enterprises, Northern Beaches Council and local music venues such as Humph Hall, The Manly Fig, The Shack and Songs on Stage – and Paul says it could not take place with all of its wonderful volunteers.
The festival is recruiting more volunteers to help with tasks such as working the gate, admin assistance, on-stage help (fancy yourself as a compere?) and lots of other jobs. A four- hour shift earns the volunteer a day’s free entry to the festival and two four-hour shifts will get you a weekend pass!
“We want to help live music, to help the musicians. It’s a hard yard,” adds Paul.
To sign up, email nbmfestival@gmail.com
NORTHERN BEACHES MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tramshed Community Arts Centre, Narrabeen
Saturday 1 November, 1pm to 11pm
Sunday 2 November, 1pm to 8pm
- $100 weekend pass
- $80 Saturday pass
- $50 Sunday pass
BYO food and drinks
northernbeachesmusicfestival.org
To volunteer: nbmfestival@gmail.com