Australian electronic heavyweights The Presets have been announced as the headline act for the Big Chill Festival 2026, with the acclaimed duo set to bring their high-energy live show to Armidale in May.
The sixth edition of the festival will take place on Saturday 16 May at Armidale Showground, with organisers confirming an expanded capacity following the sellout success of the 2025 event. The announcement firmly positions the Big Chill as one of regional New South Wales’ standout music festivals.
The Presets released their debut album Beams in 2005 before breaking through to mainstream success with 2008’s Apocalypso, which debuted at number one and produced enduring hits including “My People” and “This Boy’s In Love”. The album claimed six ARIA Awards, including album and band of the year, a first for an electronic act. Subsequent releases Pacifica, which peaked at number three, and 2018’s Hi Viz, which reached number five on the ARIA chart, have reinforced the band’s longevity and influence within Australian music.
The headline slot follows a busy period for the duo of Kim Moyes and Julian Hamilton, including a recent appearance at Ocean Sounds Festival and a sold-out performance during AO Live Opening Week at the Australian Open 2026. While new Presets music remains uncertain, Moyes has not ruled it out.
“I mean, there’s always the possibility,” Moyes told Billboard.com. “There’s been a few attempts at music in the last couple of years, and there’s been us bridging out and doing other things.”
“There aren’t any immediate plans. But there’s always the desire and there’s always the potential.”
With more than two decades of chart success behind them, The Presets will top a diverse one-day lineup that blends major Australian artists with emerging and local talent. Joining The Presets on the 2026 lineup are The Jungle Giants, Meg Mac, Sneaky Sound System, Mia Wray, Pierce Brothers, Jess Ribeiro, Al Heeney Rhythm and Blues Band and No Cigar, delivering one of the strongest lineups in the festival’s history.
Beyond the music, the Big Chill Festival continues to celebrate the region’s food, culture and community spirit. Fan favourites including the chilli eating competition and the Chilly Dip at Dumaresq Dam will return, alongside BBQ Alley, the Live and Local stage, Little Chillers and a strong focus on family friendly experiences.
Mayor Sam Coupland said the festival had become a signature event for the Armidale region.
“The success of previous years has elevated The Big Chill into one of the standout regional festivals in New South Wales. The 2026 program builds on this momentum with an impressive selection of artists that will appeal to a wide audience,” he said.
“The festival shines a spotlight on what makes Armidale unique, our cool climate environment, our outstanding local produce, and our strong community spirit,” Mayor Coupland said.
Tickets for Big Chill will go on sale on January 27.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.