The Great Escape Festival is set to return for its sixth edition, marking another New Year gathering at Redbanks in Nugent and reinforcing its place among Tasmania’s largest contemporary outdoor music events.
Running across several days, the festival is expected to draw thousands of people to the rural site east of Hobart, combining live music with camping and a range of outdoor activities. The line-up includes a mix of national touring acts and Tasmanian artists, alongside three stages operating from midday into the early morning.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett said the festival had grown steadily since its launch and now played a clear role in the state’s summer calendar. She described it as a strong seasonal attraction that appeals to both locals and interstate visitors, while helping spread economic activity beyond the cities.
According to government figures, the 2024 edition attracted about 3,500 attendees, including around 600 visitors from interstate. Those visitors stayed an average of five nights, adding weight to claims that major events can encourage longer stays and broader travel across the state.
Beyond the music program, organisers are again promoting a range of daytime activities, including yoga sessions, dance classes, paintball and swimming. On-site camping is positioned as a key part of the experience, allowing festivalgoers to remain at the venue throughout the event and creating a slower-paced atmosphere alongside the late-night performances.
Supporters argue that events such as Great Escape provide a platform for Tasmanian performers while bringing people into regional areas that might otherwise see quieter summer periods. At the same time, large-scale outdoor festivals can place pressure on local infrastructure and require careful planning around traffic, safety and environmental impact, particularly when held over multiple days.
The Tasmanian Government says it is continuing to work with event organisers to manage growth while encouraging visitation, with expectations that attendance will rise again this year.
The Great Escape Festival will be held at Redbanks, Nugent, from 29 December to 1 January 2026. Further details, including the full program, are available through the festival’s official website.
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