Parramatta wins bid to host landmark technology and music festival

The City of Parramatta has won the bid to host the SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival, Australia’s first major music, tech and networking expo running from 30 March to 3 April 2022.

Announced today, the five-day extravaganza includes live music performances in venues across Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney, along with a Technology and Music Conference at CommBank Stadium where young creators, professionals and entrepreneurs can network with industry leaders.

“The City of Parramatta is proud to be a major partner and the host city of the inaugural SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Issa said.

“As a Smart City at the forefront of innovation and with an eclectic mix of cultures, a vibrant food and arts scene, and world-class hotels and venues in the centre of global Sydney, Parramatta is the perfect home for this cutting-edge event.

“The City of Parramatta has been hard hit by the pandemic and this festival will contribute to our revitalisation plan for our local and night-time economies by attracting thousands of professionals, visitors and artists from around Australia and the world.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would highlight the unique talent and development of the region.

“This region is going from strength to strength through industry development, investment in research and innovation, and a rich cultural foundation that makes for a dynamic city to live, work, visit and host events,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney has established itself as a hub of creative industries in the Asia-Pacific region, largely through the delivery of incredible events such as Vivid Sydney, ARIA Awards and Semi Permanent, and Sound West stands in good stead on the State’s 2022 event calendar.

“This initiative demonstrates the benefit of Government and industry partnering to create new opportunities and drive the recovery and growth of the State’s visitor economy.”

Council is a key partner in the not-for-profit event, committing $250,000 in funding. Other partners include Destination NSW, Create NSW, Western Sydney Business Connection, Western Sydney Business Chamber, ARIA, Tik Tok, and NEC.

“Some of Australia’s best emerging and established musical and digital creatives have cut their teeth in Parramatta, known as a competitive technology and arts hub. Council is thrilled to help foster this new generation of professionals by supporting SOUND WEST,” Cr Issa said.

The SOUND WEST line-up will be announced early next year.

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