The Sidney Myer Music Bowl Is Hosting a Live Gig This Month to Test Melbourne's Reopening Settings

Overview

Heading to a live gig hasn't been on Melburnians' agendas since early August, when the city entered its latest — and sixth — lockdown. But before October is out, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl will host a big music event. And yes, the lineup will play live and crowds will be allowed to attend.

The exact details — including who'll be on the bill, how many people will be permitted to go along and how you can nab tickets — haven't yet been revealed; however, today, Sunday, October 10, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews did announce that this currently unnamed concert is happening on Saturday, October 30 for a solely double-vaccinated audience. It's due to occur shortly after the state hits the 70-percent fully jabbed mark, which is when lockdown ends and more restrictions will begin to ease. And, it'll take place before the next key vax stage, the 80-percent double-vaccinated mark, when even more rules will loosen.

If you're wondering why this kind of concert is being announced when Victoria is experiencing extremely high numbers of COVID-19 cases — 1890 new locally acquired cases were reported today, after an Australian-high 1965 cases were recorded on Saturday, October 9 — the Premier advised that the concert is being held to help test the city's reopening settings. It's occurring as part of what's being dubbed 'vaccinated economy trials', with the state testing the rules and requirements that'll be in place as both Melbourne and Victoria open up even further.

"I can't provide a precise number of patrons allowed, but there is plenty more to be done there. As part of the mature vaccinated economy trials, there'll be several thousand double-vaccinated [people] who can attend that live music event," said the Premier.

"That's incredibly important for them and for the live music scene. We are the live music capital of our nation that has had it very tough. We have been there to support them all the way through, but they want to get out and perform and do what they do best. That's two entertain and inspire, to question all of us, to be that incredibly soulful part of our city and state. That's 30 October," Andrews continued.

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl gig is currently subject to Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton considering and approving the venue's COVID-safe plan — and will be joined by smaller gigs around the state at the same time, if also approved by Sutton.

Regarding the lineup, it'll be comprised of Victorian artists — who'll "perform and celebrate the return of live music at one of Melbourne's most iconic outdoor venues," according to the announcement.

The move comes after first-stage trials of new vaccinated economy settings — including the process required to show that you're fully vaccinated under the new rules — occur in regional parts of the states. They were announced in late September and will kick off on Monday, October 11, covering select pubs, art galleries, cinemas and cafes, as well as gym, a church and a beauty clinic.

And, the Victorian Government will also test bigger crowd capacities on the final two days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Premier announced that Oaks Day and Stakes Day will be permitted to welcome up 10,000 patrons, but only if the 80-percent double-jab mark has been passed by then.

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl will host a big live music gig on Saturday, October 30, with further details — including the lineup, crowd capacity and ticketing — yet to be announced. We'll provide you with more information when it comes to hand.

For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Victorian Government's website.

Top image: Piknic Electronik, Wade Malligan.