New sounds for the city

FOLLOWING over 12 months of discussions with the City of Ballarat event organisers of music festival Spilt Milk are bringing the multi-stage event to Newington’s Victoria Park in November.

Presented by Kicks and the ABC’s Triple J, it’s expected that 25,000 live music lovers will head to the 130-hectare recreational parkland to enjoy Spilt Milk’s day of sounds, including Chvrches, Khalid, Illy, Allday, Ocean Alley, G Flip, Mansionair, Dune Rats and more.

City of Ballarat Development and Planning Director, Angelique Lush said the council and festival’s team are experienced in coordinating major events and will “ensure the interest of both nearby residents and concert goers are protected.

“Our goal is to ensure the Ballarat community is able to fully participate and enjoy the event, including those lovers of music and those who live in the surrounding area.

“We have been working with Spilt Milk on traffic management, including parking, and all aspects of risk management,” she said.

“Preparation is already well underway for noise management, including a sound system designed specifically to reduce noise spill to neighbouring areas and acoustic consultants to monitor and manage noise levels.”

Ms Lush said residents in close proximity to Victoria Park should expect more information about these preparations as the event grows closer.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said securing the festival is a “coup” the council is “extremely” proud of, aligning with their Live Music, Events, and Creative City strategies.

“The potential economic benefits alone also tell us just how much we have to gain by playing host to a premier Australian music festival.

“We can expect thousands to converge on our city, filling our hotel beds and eating out at our local cafes, restaurants and bars,” she said. “For every dollar spent on live music, three dollars of benefit is returned to the wider community.

“Local musicians, creatives and artists will have opportunities to be involved as part of the festival, from fringe activities to possibly being part of the main action.

“The festival will act as a launching platform for those local performers,” Cr McIntosh said.

Spilt Milk festival began in 2016, running multiple stages of live music within Canberra’s 34.5-hectare Commonwealth Park. The space sits between the city centre and the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, also the home of annual spring festival, Floriade.

Ballarat’s Spilt Milk will take place on Saturday, 30 November from 11am at Victoria Park. Tickets are available at spilt-milk.com.au. Spilt Milk said they will have further information in the coming months.