This event is part of the UK/Australia Season.
The UK/Australia Season is a major new cultural exchange celebrating the diverse and innovative artist communities and cultural sectors of each nation. A collaboration between the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Season is a vibrant programme spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education and a public engagement programme.
Designed to strengthen and build cultural connections, the Season theme is “Who Are We Now?” and will reflect on our history, explore our current relationship, and imagine our future together. The Season launched in both countries in September 2021.
Overview
The Great Escape (TGE) is the festival for new music. Held in Brighton in the UK, over 500 emerging artists from all over the world showcase in 30+ walkable venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. Sounds Australia has been coordinating showcasing and networking for Australian artists and industry at The Great Escape since 2009.
TGE is also attended by the music industry who are on the hunt for the next big thing. Alongside the showcase performance, there’s a conference featuring insightful panels, topical debates, keynote speeches and networking opportunities.
In addition to multiple showcase events at The Great Escape, Sounds Australia also hosts THE AUSSIE BBQ London on the Sunday following the festival, offering additional showcasing and networking opportunities to the Australian artists and industry who are in London.
Australian artists who have played The Great Escape include Alex Lahey, Angus & Julia Stone, Bag Raiders, City Calm Down, Confidence Man, Courtney Barnett, Cub Sport, DMA’S, Dune Rats, DZ Deathrays, Emma Louise, Gang Of Youths, George Maple, Gordi, Gurrumul, Hermitude, The Jezabels, Julia Jacklin, The Jungle Giants, Lisa Mitchell, Methyl Ethel, Middle Kids, Nick Murphy, Pond, The Rubens, Tkay Maidza, Sampa The Great, Sarah Blasko, Vallis Alps and Violent Soho.
About the Partners
Sounds Australia is Australia’s export music market development initiative, established to provide a cohesive and strategic platform to assist the Australian music industry access international business opportunities.
The Great Escape is the festival for new music, showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ walkable venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. It’s the first place to discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to headline major festival stages.
