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Australasia News: New Ticketing Platform; Bluesfest Adds; NZ Festival Struggles

AUSTRALIA

New Ticketing Platform Tickify Intends ‘To Change Game’

Festival Goers Attend Byron Bay Bluesfest 2023
THEIR BLUE HEAVEN: Summar Allen (left) and Claudio Taccogna (right) attend Byron Bay Bluesfest on April 7, 2023, in Byron Bay, Australia. This year’s edition will likely be the last for the 35-year-old festival. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

New Australian ticketing platform Tickify intends “to change the game,” taking on challenges such as security, manual verifications and “outdated platforms (which) slow down operations and tarnish the event experience.”

Its anti-fraud technology includes unique digital signatures, QR codes refreshing every 60 seconds and secure wallets for ticket storage.

It also promises promoters an intuitive platform to launch events in 10 minutes, with loyalty programs and engagement tools in the pipeline.

Tickify founder Phil Potgieter is a one-time pro rugby player-turned-entrepreneur combining a passion for sports, technology and live events.

His team has a background in web3, event management and innovation, and includes New Zealand tech entrepreneur Rah Nelson, with the platform’s support from Pellar Technology, creators of the Lightlink chain.

Dutch EDM event Gearbox Making Debut

Dutch hardstyle event Gearbox Digital makes its Aussie debut April 19 at Sydney’s 21,389-seat Qudos Bank Arena.

TEG Live expects 10,000-plus pre-registrations to lead to a sell-out. 

The 10 acts include global names So Juice Adjuz, Neon Future, Cybergore and Straikerz.

Expert Panel For Qld. Night-Time Economy

The new Queensland government put the growth of its night time economy in the hands of an expert panel.

It will be chaired by music venues Triffids/Fortitude Music Hall co-owner John Collins, who last September was appointed Queensland Night-life Economy Commissioner by the previous administration.

The panel includes music executives such as QMusic CEO Kris Stewart, as well as event and festival promoters, reps from the hotel, retail and taxi sectors, performers, criminology academics and Safe Night Precinct workers.

Minister for youth Sam O’Connor thought it important to “develop some amazing strategies to have it marching to a new beat” to help struggling businesses while readying for the tourism boom at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Chaka Khan, Toto Added To Bluesfest

The latest additions to what could be the final Bluesfest Byron Bay (April 17-20) were Chaka Khan as part of her 50th anniversary career celebration, Toto, Christopher Cross, Polynesian act Maoli and pianist Eric Stang.

Domestic adds were soul-funk act Clarence Bekker Band, Hussy Hicks fresh from winning the live act gong at the Gold Coast awards, and the Steele Syndicate and the Royals who last year won the festival’s busking competition.

NEW ZEALAND

Festivals: Moves And Cancellations

Jim Beam Homegrown has outgrown Wellington, and this year’s event (March 14-15) will be the last in the capital after 18 years on its waterfront.

Citing “a myriad of personal and logistical reasons,” director Michael Tuck noted that the first event in 2008 drew 10,000 people with three stages, and in 2024 had 25,000 with five stages.

A new location will be announced in April. Among acts are Shihad playing their last, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Sons of Zion, Shapeshifter, Black Seeds, the Beths and Alien Weaponry.

Good Vibes Promotion canceled the inaugural Paradise City Rock (Feb. 5 at Auckland’s 4,000-capacity Trust Arena) due to low ticket sales.

Laneway Auckland (Feb. 6, Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium) had to cancel tickets already sold to patrons aged under 18.

The District Licensing Committee turned down an application for them. 

A trial was held in 2024 with designated areas for minors, but the DLC found these were “not controlled effectively” and “alcohol was found” in them.

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