A brand-new festival from some of Australia’s greats
Secret Sounds Group is responsible for some of our most iconic festivals, being Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. Luckily for us, Splendour in the Grass has been rescheduled for 2021 with three massive headliners of Gorillaz, The Strokes and Tyler, the Creator being locked in for the festival’s 20th-anniversary celebration. Together with this cracking line-up, we were also stoked to hear that Secret Sounds Group is also bringing a brand-spanking-new addition to the festival circuit. As part of the government’s $60 million RISE fund post-COVID, the organisers have used their $1.5-million grant to craft a whole new experience for our enjoyment in 2021. Details on the event so far are vague but we can’t wait to bring you the latest when we hear more about what is sure to be another must-do Aussie festival.

Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flavour of Life Tour – June 14 at QPAC
The foodies among us rejoiced when we heard that the legendary chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi will be gracing our shores in 2021 with his Flavour of Life Tour. Born in Jerusalem and now based in London, the renowned chef can do no wrong in terms of bringing us unexpected flavours and ways to use an abundance of vegetables to delight the tastebuds (which will feature in the Flavour of Life Tour). Based on these themes, Ottolenghi will be presenting a live show sharing his personal experiences, stories of his journey as a restauranteur and (of course) tips and tricks for success in the kitchen. Although his much-loved tomes including Plenty, Jerusalem and SIMPLE are already mainstays on our cookbook shelves, we were also delighted to discover his newest release – Ottolenghi FLAVOUR – which ties into these themes. As we embraced cooking at home a little bit more last year, we can’t wait to take that into 2021, level up our culinary expertise and learn how to inject a little bit more flavour into our favourites. Secure your spot here.

Guns ‘N Roses – November 26 at Metricon Stadium
Rock and roll certainly hasn’t been the same since the day Guns ‘N Roses took the world by storm and we don’t think we’ll be quite the same after seeing the band live in 2021. After its unforgettable Not In This Lifetime Tour in 2017, rock and roll lovers across the country have been crying out for more of the same. Fast-forward a few years and the iconic group has announced its return to our shores with the Guns N’ Roses Down Under Tour in 2021. Luckily for those of us craving the atmosphere of a stadium show, the Guns N’ Roses Down Under Tour will be hitting stadiums around the country before you know it. Grab yourself a ticket here.

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2021 – April 1–5 at Tyagrah Tea Tree Farm
Last year’s loss was next year’s gain in terms of live music and events, with another fantastic line-up for the rescheduled Byron Bay Bluesfest. An all-Aussie offering is now set to hit the stage including Tash Sultana, Jimmy Barnes, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and the Teskey Brothers. Local favourites John Butler and Xavier Rudd will also bring the blues with The Cat Empire rounding out the headliners for the much-loved blues and roots festival. We’ve heard whispers that the scheduled 2020 international artists such as Bon Iver and Patti Smith could also be jumping back on board but time will tell if the appearance of these acts comes to fruition. With so many Bluesfest favourites set to return, the festival looks like it will be one of the best yet. Running as usual over the Easter long weekend at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, we’re already getting in the groove with the official Spotify playlist warming us up for what will be an unforgettable festival. Buy your tickets here!

The Rubens – April 4 at The Fortitude Music Hall
After a massive round of touring commencing in 2018, The Rubens was set to undertake its biggest tour in 2020. Sadly the alt-rock favourite was forced to reschedule not once but twice last year, however the Live in Life Tour dates are now set for 2021 (third time lucky?!). Not only is The Rubens being supported by the soulful songstress Alice Ivy, it’s also tempted us with a remix Live in Life EP which brings a collection of diverse reworkings of the title track. You can lock in tickets through Ticketmaster.