I have just bought my third concert ticket for a show in Sydney for 2025, and my fourth in 12 months.
This had me wondering, ‘how many other Canberrans are forking out money to travel to see concerts?’
I put the question ‘Has anyone been having to buy tickets to big concerts in Sydney that don’t travel to Canberra’ in two ACT-based Facebook groups, which garnered more than 100 responses.
One of those people is Kim Holden, who lives in Queanbeyan. She and her husband, Mark, work in Canberra and their children go to school in the nation’s capital.
Kim said the family travelled outside of the region for music events up to four times a year.
“We travel because we want to see the shows,” she told CD.
“Canberra doesn’t have a stadium or theatre to suit these events.
“Outdoor shows are better and Canberrans don’t like loud noise.
“Canberra’s climate is too cold most of the time.”
Some of the shows they have travelled for — either driving or flying — are Bon Jovi, and U2 in Sydney in the mid-1990s and U2 in Melbourne in 2010, Jack Johnson in Sydney in 2005, Zac Brown Band three times, and coming up, Oasis in Melbourne later this year.
The family has also travelled for theatre shows and soccer.
Within Canberra, they attend up to six concerts per month.
“As our daughter (Ruby Holden) is now an aspiring musician, we ensure that she has a wide range of music experiences,” Kim said.
Another Canberran who has been travelling for concerts and sports events is Long Dang.
“I often travel as I have no choice. The artists or events aren’t available in Canberra or they were sold out in Canberra, so I had to go to Sydney in the case of one of the Delta Goodrem concerts,” Long said.
This travelling has included trips overseas for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Long has also attended 22 concerts in Canberra with Linkin Park’s show at the AIS Arena in 2010 being the biggest act. He has also seen 20 plays, performances and arts shows in Canberra, with Australian comedian Jimeoin being the largest name.
“I am very active in Canberra because I feel like I have to be constantly doing stuff to ward off boredom. But I also love going to things in this city,” he said.
Long has also already purchased a ticket for the 2025 NRL Grand Final in the hopes that the Canberra Raiders make it.
CD asked Business, Arts and Creative Industries minister Michael Pettersson, why he thinks international acts and major Australian tours and shows choose not to come to Canberra when announcing a national tour.
“Historically, some promoters have overlooked Canberra due to misconceptions about our market size or the perception that our venues aren’t large enough,” he said.
“In reality, Canberra is a growing city with a strong appetite for live entertainment.
“As one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, we’ve got an increasingly diverse population and a community that enthusiastically supports music, arts, and culture.
“That’s why we’ve seen so many sell-out shows here in recent years from artists like Cold Chisel, Missy Higgins and Matchbox 20.”
Mr Pettersson said the ACT Government has been working with local venue operators and the live entertainment industry to attract more major tours to Canberra.
“We will continue investment in infrastructure and strengthen partnerships with national promoters help,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s about demonstrating that Canberra delivers for both artists and audiences, and we’re seeing that shift begin to happen.”
One international star who has included Canberra in their Australian tour is Ricky Martin, who will perform at GIO Stadium on 8 November — the same day some Canberrans (including me) will travel to Sydney to see Oasis.
“It’s fantastic to see Ricky Martin coming to Canberra. It sends a strong message that international superstars are taking notice of our city,” Mr Pettersson said.
“It’s great for fans, great for our visitor economy, and another sign that Canberra’s live music and entertainment scene is ready for more big names.”
The ACT will also welcome international acts, including Kendrick Lamar and Doechii, when homegrown festival Spilt Milk rolls into town at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) in December.
Mr Pettersson said the venues in Canberra that were suitable for international acts to perform at were Canberra Theatre Centre, Royal Theatre, Llewellyn Hall, Kambri and AIS Arena for indoor concerts, and EPIC and (Commonwealth Park’s) Stage 88 for outdoor shows.
“Plans for a new Convention and Entertainment Precinct include an 8,000-seat Entertainment Centre for live music, entertainment, and indoor sporting events,” he said.
“Work is also underway to build a new Lyric Theatre at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
“These new additions will enhance Canberra’s place on the live music touring circuit.”
Mr Pettersson said with the momentum for live music, major festivals and cultural events in Canberra, he encouraged any artist or promoter planning a tour of Australia to come and see what Canberra had to offer.
MusicACT director Sia Ahmad agrees with the minister’s sentiments.
“And would like to add that a commitment by national tour promoters and booking agents to keep considering Canberra as a viable touring stop is also a key driver of growth for our local artists,” she told CD.
“Be it connecting with their fellow interstate/international artists, developing connections with venue bookers/promoters and showcasing their music in front of new audiences.
“Without these external opportunities, the local sector will continue to lag behind its national counterparts, even as we continually demonstrate the rich cultural potential of artists from this region — see Genesis Owusu and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, for example.”
Have you travelled for concerts, theatre or arts shows or major sporting events? Let us know below.
Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in Canberra and the surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.
Feeling social? Follow Canberra Daily: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Tik Tok | YouTube
