A motion has been approved to bring a New Year’s Eve music festival back to Bondi Beach, reviving a major event not seen since 2014.
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Shore Thing’s Legacy and Cancellation
Bondi Beach previously hosted the Shore Thing Festival, a popular New Year’s Eve music event that attracted crowds of up to 15,000. The festival was cancelled in 2014 following sustained complaints from local residents. They claimed the event encouraged antisocial behaviour and disrupted access to the beach, particularly due to temporary security fencing and noise levels.
Past Shore Thing line-ups featured internationally recognised artists including Snoop Dogg, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Flume, Underworld, The Presets, and David Guetta. One of the festival’s most notable moments was in 1999, when renowned DJ Carl Cox performed a millennium set at Bondi Beach.
Proposal Passed to Relaunch Festival
On March 18, local officials Michelle Stephenson and Will Nemesh submitted a notice of motion to reintroduce a New Year’s Eve music festival at Bondi Beach. The motion passed, and the Council will now begin seeking a partner through an expression of interest process. Support will also be sought from the State and Destination NSW to facilitate the festival’s return.
Ms Stephenson stated the revived event could reconnect the community and help rejuvenate Sydney’s night-time economy. She acknowledged the lessons learned from previous editions and expressed confidence in the council’s ability to manage events with reduced community impact.
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Timing and Context for the Festival’s Return
The proposal comes amid wider disruption in the Australian festival scene. Several major events, including Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo, will not return in 2025. Smaller festivals such as Souled Out and Esoteric were also cancelled at short notice. The reintroduction of a Bondi Beach NYE festival is seen by some as a timely opportunity to revitalise Sydney’s entertainment landscape.
Community Reactions Mixed
Local response to the announcement has been divided. While some residents previously opposed the event due to safety and access concerns, others—according to Ms Stephenson—feel the area has “lost its vibe” and welcome the return of live music. Mr Nemesh emphasised the festival’s potential to activate public spaces and provide new recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists.
@bondi_lines Sydney nightlife resurgence continues 😍 #bondibeach #nye ♬ original sound – Bondi Lines
Next Steps for Event Planning
Waverley Council will now move to secure a delivery partner and begin formal planning for the event. Details including ticketing, artist line-ups, and security measures are yet to be announced. If plans proceed smoothly, the festival could return as early as New Year’s Eve 2026.
Published 26-Mar-2025
