The Big Chill Festival has reached new heights, with record ticket sales reinforcing its growing reputation as a regional favourite.
As the region’s largest ticketed event, the festival is building a strong identity by delivering an authentic festival experience with a community focus. With no major promoter involved, the event is driven by a dedicated Council team committed to bringing outstanding artists to the region, supporting the local economy and celebrating what makes the Armidale Region unique.
Featuring a carefully curated line-up of local talent alongside established national acts, festivalgoers enjoyed performances from The Presets, Jungle Giants, Sneaky Sound System and many more.
Now in its sixth year, the festival continued to exceed expectations, with ticket sales increasing by more than 15 per cent in 2026 compared with 2025. The event generated an estimated $4.4 million in total economic benefit, including $2.8 million in direct expenditure for local businesses. Visitors travelled from every state and territory in Australia, with visitor ticket sales rising from 45 per cent in 2025 to 51 per cent in 2026.
“The winter chill has an enormous pull for our coastal visitors, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the fire pits, warm drinks and cool-country vibes, while also experiencing the last of our beautiful Autumn leaves,” said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.
“Our local community come out in droves to support this event and are so proud that regional community can pull off such a high-calibre music festival event.”
The Big Chill Festival is centred on community rather than profit. From the dedicated Little Chillers kids’ zone featuring Bluey and circus acts, to electronic, blues and classical music performances, the all-ages event catered to audiences young and old.
Local performers, local vendors showcasing their creativity, dedicated volunteers and staff, and activations beyond the festival grounds — including a charity cold-water swim and local markets — continue to give the festival its distinctive character.
A strong focus on sustainability this year significantly reduced the festival’s environmental footprint. Council’s waste team delivered a more sustainable, waste-free event, with 78 per cent of festival waste either recycled or composted in line with Council’s innovative waste management programs.
Delivering the festival is a true community effort, and organisers remain grateful to major sponsor the University of New England and the many local community groups that support the event.
In 2026, The Big Chill Festival received support through two grants: the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund, which enabled broader marketing of the event, and the Revive Live Fund, which helped create a more inclusive experience through accessibility enhancements, festival production and showcasing emerging artists.
The Big Chill Festival will return on Saturday, 15 May 2027. For more information, visit https://www.bigchill.com.au/
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