Leichhardt Oval To Be Trialled As Music Venue

Leichhardt Oval is set to be trialled as a live music venue after a motion put forward by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne at the most recent Council meeting.

The program will see up to two concerts at the grounds in the coming year, before the long-awaited upgrade of the oval.

Byrne has also proposed that the $40 million renovation should include facilities to allow for future concerts and cultural events.

“Leichhardt Oval has the best atmosphere of any suburban ground in Australia and it’s time for music lovers to experience that as well as sports fans,” Byrne said.

“Rugby league, soccer and union players all love playing at the eighth wonder of the world and some of Australia’s best bands will get a buzz out of performing there too.

“By trialling the use of the ground for live performance I’m confident we’ll be able to attract some big-name acts who will bring the place alive as a concert venue.

The Inner West Council will soon take expressions of interest from artists and organisations that would be interested at playing at the venue.

Inner West revitalisation

This news comes only days after Darcy Byrne announced the establishment of six special entertainment precincts throughout the Inner West.

The state’s first entertainment precinct along Enmore Road has been a huge success, with the initiative being set up at Norton Street Leichhardt, Darling Street in Balmain and Rozelle, and Marrickville Road, right through Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.

Businesses in these precincts will be allowed a range of privileges, such as an extra hour of trade and the extension of footpath dining to 11pm.

“This will give a real incentive: later trading [hours], for venues that host gigs, and artistic activity to rely on the arts rather than poker machines,” said Mayor Byrne.

Byrne has been instrumental in the Inner West’s new position as the leading entertainment and live music destination in Sydney.