Centennial Parklands To Host More Festivals As Gov’t Lifts Events Cap

The cap on major events at Centennial Parklands has been increased, making way for more events and festivals to be held at the once-legendary concert site from 2026.

The new regulation will see the number of events with more than 20,000 people lifted from eight to twelve each year, allowing for the hosting of more large-scale cultural, sporting and music events, while boosting Sydney’s nightlife, lowering costs for festival organisers, and managing environmental impacts. 

The parklands have been under-utilised in recent years, holding only three major events in 2024, and two the year before.

Australian Festival Association CEO Olly Arkins said the removal of the cap was a big win for Sydney’s cultural life. 

“More events mean more opportunities for local artists and businesses, and importantly, the chance for festivals to share infrastructure and reduce their costs,” he said. “This welcome change gives organisers the certainty they need to invest and deliver world-class experiences in one of our city’s largest and most iconic outdoor venues.”

The move comes only months after after plans to lift the cap were scrapped, the government struggling to balance its need for more events with the concerns of the nearby residents.

“By having festivals in the parkland you are effectively privatising a portion of that park for the period in which the event is held, plus beforehand the bump in and afterwards the bump out,” said co-chair of the Centennial Park Residents Association, Peter Tzannes, at the time.

“Over the years we’ve seen huge amounts of grass damaged by the people who attend. Very often it may be wet or raining and that grass is trampled and has to be replaced.

“And be aware again, this is public land it is not private land, and therefore by having concerts on public land it becomes privatised.”

Back to a “24-hour city”

Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham said the lifting of “yet another restriction on fun” is part of the government’s efforts to restore Sydney nightlife back to the “2000 Olympics heyday”.

“Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile parklands in the world, and this is a sensible boost in its capacity to host a great day out,” he said. 

“With more events occurring, we are encouraging the opportunity for events to go back to back over a single weekend. That means they can share infrastructure and reduce costs, which should mean lower costs for event organisers and the public.”

The Minns government continues to focus on its vibrancy reforms and the restoration of Sydney’s entertainment and nightlife, still recovering from the effects of lockout laws and COVID-19.

This year has seen the cutting of red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces, grants to help venues host more live performances, and support for more than 20 local councils in establishing the popular Special Entertainment Precincts. 

“This is about making Sydney a truly 24-hour city – vibrant, welcoming and full of life,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

“We want Sydney to host more events that people love, so we’re lifting restrictions that have held back the festivals, concerts and cultural celebrations that bring energy and life to our city.”

One of the first major events set to be held in the parklands is popular music festival Laneway, with international acts including Chappell Roan scheduled to headline in February.