The Gum Ball’s reputation as an elite festival is only growing, with top Aussie acts Paul Dempsey and Baby Animals heading the 2023 event this weekend.
In fact, it’s a bumper line-up, complete with 39 performances across three days for the 18th edition of the prestigious bushland spectacle, which takes place at Dashville at Lower Belford, over the last weekend of the school holidays, Friday 21 to Sunday 23 April.
“We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings,” founder and director Magpie Johnston said.
“We started this festival because we wanted more ‘live’ music in our community.
“It was a real fight back then and to see where it’s come to is a bit surreal.”
In 2023, The Gum Ball continues in its purpose to connect community and culture, with distinct homage to the traditional owners of the land, the Wonnarua people.
As well, to make the event as inclusive as possible, organisers are providing free accessible public transport options, along with a wheelchair viewing podium, handrails and access ramps, and a dedicated arterial pathway throughout the venue linking facilities and service areas.
Young Gums returns, too.
This year, the five-day immersive project, targeted specifically for teenagers interested in music, will also feature special YG showcase performances by previous Young Gums alumni, now performing in bands Goon Gremlins and Elestial.
They’ll be joined by two other young local acts showcasing on the Friday, Tyrants and Sitting Down.
Full weekend and single day tickets are on sale through Humanitix via thegumball.com.au
2023 The Gum Ball program
Friday 21 April
Kirawa (Lizard) stage
- 2pm: Arena opens
- 4pm: Les Poétes Pop
- 5.25pm: Saylor & The Flavor
- 7pm: Boomchild
- 8.55pm: Chris Cornell Concept
- 10.45pm: Mudhoney
Kawal (Eagle) stage
- 3.30pm: Welcome to Country
- 4.40pm: Daphzie
- 6.10pm: Velvet Trip
- 8pm: Turtle Skull
- 9.50pm: Full Flower Moon Band
Saturday 22 April
Kirawa (Lizard) stage
- 10.40am: Tall Shaun & The Resolution Blues
- 12.20pm: Gambirra Mob
- 2.10pm: Datura4
- 4pm: Wilsn
- 6.05pm: Johnston City
- 8pm: Bob Bongo Starkie’s Skyhooks Show
- 10pm: Baby Animals
Kawal (Eagle) stage
- 9.50am: Bunny Racket
- 11.30am: Trip Fandino
- 1.15pm: Burger Joint
- 3.05pm: Rum Jungle
- 5.10pm: Party Dozen
- 7pm: The New Christs
- 9pm: The Sheep Dogs
- 11pm: First Beige
Sunday 23 April
Kirawa (Lizard) stage
- 10.35am: The Appointments
- 12.25pm: Dande And The Lion
- 2.15pm: Ben Leece & Left Of The Dial
- 4.05pm: Dashville Progress Society
- 6.05pm: Coda Chroma
- 8.05pm: Ainslie Wills
- 10.10pm: Spuz
Kawal (Eagle) stage
- 9.40am: The Beanies
- 11.30am: Young Gums
- 1.20pm: Cormac Grant Band
- 3.10pm: Flowertruck
- 5.10pm: Cable Ties
- 7pm: Darren Hanlon
- 9.10pm: Paul Dempsey
Young Gums headquarters
Kirawa (Lizard) stage
- Friday 21 April: 2pm – Sitting Down
- Saturday 22 April: noon – Elestial
Kawal (Eagle) stage
- Friday 21 April: 2pm – Tyrants
- Saturday 22 April noon – Goon Gremlins
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