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The City of Port Phillip

Enter the New Music Competition

Entries to the New Music Competition for 2027 are now closed.

The New Music Competition has been a celebrated part of St Kilda Festival since 2007 and has hosted acts that have become some of the country’s most notable artists including Baker Boy, Missy Higgins, Client Liaison, Playlunch and more.

New Music Competition entrants have the chance to play the New Music Stage at St Kilda Festival in 2027, and to be in the running for cold hard cash and musical glory.

This year, we've searched the country to find up to 10 talented emerging artists/groups. 

The selected acts will perform a 30-minute set of original material at the forthcoming St Kilda Festival on Sunday 21 February 2027, with the crowd favourite taking home:

  • A $5,000 cash prize
  • An invitation to perform on one of our key stages at St Kilda Festival in 2028

Entries to the New Music Competition for 2026 have now closed. Stay tuned for the selected acts, to be announced in November. 

Velvet Bloom playing at St Kilda Festival 2026. Image by Will Hamilton-Coates.

The City of Port Phillip

St Kilda Festival is one of Australia’s oldest music festivals - a beloved, free celebration of summer and local music, set against the spectacular natural beauty of the St Kilda foreshore.

Digital Agency - VERSA

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    Australian Government

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    Victoria State Government

Wominjeka. Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge their legacy and spiritual connection to the land and waterways across the City of Port Phillip and pay our heartfelt respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.