ARIA, Tixel and AFA spotlight live music with new ARIA Award for Best Music Festival

In recognition of the significant role played by Australian music festivals in showcasing and advancing local talent, a major new accolade has been launched by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) - the inaugural ARIA Best Music Festival Award supported by Tixel.

Developed in close partnership with the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the new Award acknowledges festivals that offer breakthrough moments and essential exposure, transforming the careers of Australian artists by connecting them with wider audiences, and celebrates the festival programmers excelling at putting Australian talent in the spotlight.

To be eligible, festivals must feature either an Australian headline act or a lineup comprising at least 50% Australian artists. Festival promoters will self-nominate, with entries judged by the full ARIA Voting Academy.

ARIA Chief Executive, Annabelle Herd noted “Live music festivals are absolutely essential to Australia’s broader music ecosystem: connecting artists with new audiences, and creating critical opportunities for talent development.

“By introducing the ARIA Best Music Festival Award, we’re recognising those festivals that actively prioritise and champion Australian talent. Festivals shape our music culture, drive industry growth, and play a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and strength of our local music community.”

   Tixel Chief Executive and Co-founder, Zac Leigh added “there’s a huge swell of support for Aussie artists and we’re proud to back the ARIAs in recognising the Australian festivals that are helping our homegrown talent reach new fans and access career-making opportunities.

“Over half of Aussie event goers reported attending a music festival in the past year, and more than 70% still see them as a rite of passage for young Australians. Connecting more of our artists with this love of the festival experience is essential to sustain the Australian music ecosystem now and into the future.”

Australian Festival Association Managing Director, Olly Arkins enthused “we are so excited that music festivals will be honoured at the Australian music industry’s night of nights. We’ve been proud to work with ARIA to bring this award to life.

“This award celebrates the role festivals play in launching careers, building culture and helping Australian music reach new audiences. Festivals are often the first big stage for emerging artists and remain one of the most powerful platforms for artist discovery in the country.”

Entries open today, with an entry fee of $400 (ex GST), and discounts available for not-for-profit festivals. To be eligible, festivals must also be members of the Australian Festival Association (AFA). Entries close at 5pm AEST on Monday, 18th August.

For more information and entry details, visit the ARIA website

Image from left: Kevin Azzopardi (Tixel Global Marketing Director), Adelle Robinson (Fuzzy Operations Director AFA Chair), Annabelle Herd (ARIA CEO), Olly Arkins (AFA Managing Director) and Vera Blue (Recording artist)