Newcastle’s “live” music scene is experiencing a revival, with venues accessing vibrancy incentives including extended trading hours.

It comes after a near decimation of the industry during the lockout era.

Local pubs and clubs – Adamstown Bowling Club, Beauford Hotel, Bernie’s Bar, Civic Theatre, Customs House, George Darby Hotel, Grand Hotel, Hamilton Station Hotel, Honeysuckle Hotel, Jam’s Karaoke, Kent Hotel, King Street, Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Northern Star Hotel, Oceane Hotel, Oriental Hotel, Prince of Wales Hotel, Queens Wharf Brewery Hotel, Royal Oak Hotel, Seven Seas Hotel, Stag & Hunter Hotel, Stockton Bowling Club, The Exchange Hotel, The Rogue Scholar and Wickham Park Hotel – have joined a record 564 locations profiting from the NSW Government reforms.

Some are enjoying a dramatic uptick in gigs, too, with Islington’s Method Brewing increasing its annual number of shows from 12 to 120, a 1,000% rise.

“Newcastle has always been a place where live music thrives,” Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said.

“Presenting, there are 25 venues reaping the benefits of the state’s incentives.

“That means we’re seeing more stages for artists to perform on… and more shows for audiences to enjoy.”

The inducements support eligible spots with an 80% discount on liquor licensing fees to reduce costs for businesses looking to host more live music, as well as an additional two hours of trade if they do so (subject to DA).

Eligible venues in metropolitan areas, including Newcastle, must stage at least 10 gigs per month.

In addition to the incentives, the Minns government has delivered the following benefits:

• Removed the final elements of the lockout laws, including the last drinks requirement
• Reformed noise complaint system so single serial noise complaints can no longer lead to the shutdown of a music venue
• Allowed venues to offer live entertainment without needing development approval in a range of contexts, including outdoors
• Switched off development consent conditions restricting licensed venues to certain music genres, the type or number of instruments, the number of musicians, the playing of original music and “no entertainment” clauses
• Introduced the Music Bill 2026 to create a live venue accreditation scheme so music venues can be identified and supported in the most effective way, including with grants and dispute mediation services
• Delivered capacity-building grant programs, including Venue Upgrade Grants and the Live Performance Venue Program, which have supported 155 venues to become more fit-for-purpose with upgraded sound equipment, soundproofing and marketing to attract new audiences

For more entertainment stories:

• New $6.4m DV refuge underway in Maitland
• Memory Room helping Newcastle families reconnect
• Tomaree students protect rare native plant

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.