Southern Stars 2026 has been officially launched at the BlueScope Visitors Centre with a showcase of performances by talented vocalists from the Southern Stars Performing Company and public school students across southern NSW.
Southern Stars is on August 28 and 29 at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The 2026 production will soar to new heights, with more than 3500 thousand students participating from 135 public schools in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands, and southern and south-west Sydney.
Executive Producer Neal Reed also unveiled this year’s theme at the launch, TAKE FLIGHT.
“In TAKE FLIGHT audiences will embark on a journey of imagination, exploration and discovery.” Mr Reed said.
“They will travel across the globe, from iconic destinations to distant worlds. They will experience the excitement of departure, the joy of adventure and the wonder of discovering what lies beyond the horizon.
“They will journey through places both real and imagined, before ultimately returning home with a renewed appreciation for connection, belonging, and the experiences that shape us.”
The 2026 production is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and exciting yet, with 3000 students participating in dance and drama ensembles, a 500-strong choir, 400-member Yanggaa Garaba indigenous dance group, an 80-piece orchestra, featured vocalists, and beloved acts such as the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, circus, signing choir, and Rising Stars.
Veteran Southern Stars performer and Woonona High School teacher Zoe Steele has been appointed as the new Creative Director, 25 years after her debut on the Southern Stars stage. She said the show would feature storytelling and immersive visuals.
“TAKE FLIGHT is about courage, growth and embracing new possibilities,” Ms Steele said.
“The idea came from the notion that every young person has the potential to soar when given the opportunity, support, and confidence to step outside their comfort zone. Also, that every journey begins on the ground.
“From breathtaking circus acts to an arena being transformed into a runway, the production embraces the scale of the WIN Entertainment Centre, while creating moments that allow every performer to feel seen and valued within the larger production.”
The NSW Teachers Federation is the presenting partner for Southern Stars 2026 and President Henry Rajendra reaffirmed their commitment to arts education in public schools across the region.
“Southern Stars exemplifies public education at its best,” Mr Rajendra said.
“We proudly support access to a comprehensive curriculum that includes the arts, where students excel onstage and backstage, making their communities proud.”
More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 28 August (10am and 7pm) and Saturday 29 August (1pm and 7pm).
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster, with early booking recommended due to high demand.
Southern Stars is sponsored by the NSW Teachers Federation, GM3, BlueScope/WIN Community Partners, Wollongong City Council, University of Wollongong, WIN TV, i98fm, Illawarra Mercury, MSP Photography, and The Arts Unit.
Pictures and interviews with individual students and schools involved in Southern Stars 2026 are available on request.
