Some of Australia's hottest chart-topping music talent were in Wagga Wagga this week, ahead of our city hosting one of the regional legs of the nation-wide festival The Squeeze this April.
Fresh off the back of their #14 and #41 rankings in Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown, The Squeeze headliners Lime Cordiale were in Wagga Wagga to experience the city and check out the festival venue, Conolly Park.
Brothers Louis and Oli Leimbach were impressed with our city and gave the venue their tick of approval, saying they can't wait to play live in Wagga Wagga to thousands of local and visiting fans come April and encouraged festival-goers to snap up tickets today.
"There's something so fun about travelling and making a weekend of a festival like this. It's really special and exciting to be heading to all these new places," Oli Leimbach said.
"Playing tourist here for the past couple of days has been pretty fun and it's awesome to see where we're going to put this (festival) on; it's going to be huge."
Joining Lime Cordiale on the touring festival line up is a mix of national chart topping and future generation artists, including Thelma Plum, Client Liaison, The VANNS, merci, mercy, Teenage Dads and a local band yet to be announced will open the gig.
Wagga Wagga is one of just four regional locations to host the national tour, presented by Lime Cordiale and Chugg Music.
Wagga Wagga City Council has provided $13,000 through the second round of 'Fast Track' event sponsorship funding to support bringing The Squeeze festival to the city.
The 18+ years event is expected to attract a crowd of between 5000-6000 to Conolly Park, Bourkelands on Saturday 23 April 12.30pm – 9.30pm.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Jenny McKinnon said it will have broad benefits for the local visitor economy.
"It's anticipated around 30 per cent of ticket holders will be from surrounding regions and nearby capital cities, which means overnight expenditure and employment opportunities for the community." Ms McKinnon said.
"It's also great for our youth who've been telling us regularly that they want more live music events. Usually they have to travel to one of the capital cities to see this type of music festival and now it's here on their doorstep."
City Council Events Officer Emma Corbett said The Squeeze comes at a time when events in Wagga Wagga are picking up again after interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The calibre of music talent playing at the festival, helps grow our city as a highly regarded regional events destination," Ms Corbett said.
"We have some major events on the calendar over the next few months, including the NSW Touch Association's Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival, Gears and Beers, the Academy Games, FUSION, Stone the Crows Festival and NRL game between the Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm."
Tickets and further event details at www.squeezefest.com.au
