The sun blazed down on festivalgoers at the Kiama Showgrounds over the weekend as hundreds gathered for the Changing Tides music festival.

Now in its second year, Kiama played host to a stellar lineup of celebrated Aussie artists. Saturday quickly sold out with Hilltop Hoods headlining, while Sunday attracted a large crowd with Peking Duk set to close out the weekend.

The atmosphere was electric, with performances that stood out against the backdrop of a tough year for the Australian live music scene. After several major festivals were cancelled and with the sluggish recovery from the pandemic still weighing on the industry, Australian music fans and artists alike have been feeling the pressure.

It’s been a challenging time for both artists and fans, but this weekend marked a much-needed comeback—a reminder of how special it is to be back in a crowd of music lovers, dancing and enjoying live tunes. Changing Tides is helping to shift the tide for Australian live music, right here in our town.

Festivalgoers were treated to unforgettable performances from the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Peach PRC, and Lime Cordiale, as well as local legends such as The Terrys and Pacific Avenue. And it wasn’t just about the music—the food was equally impressive, with a variety of food trucks offering everything from burgers and dumplings to pizza and more.

Changing Tides has left Kiama buzzing, and we’re already counting down the days until next year.