Northcote’s beloved Wesley Anne turns 22 with a free five-month mini festival
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19.05.2025

Northcote’s beloved Wesley Anne turns 22 with a free five-month mini festival

The Wesley Anne
Words by Staff Writer

The Wesley Anne is celebrating 22 years of nurturing local music with a series of five free day parties from May through September.

The beloved Northcote venue will host themed events featuring musicians who have helped define the Wes’ identity over more than two decades. From jazz to country, indie to folk, each event showcases different sounds that have shaped the venue’s past, present and future.

This five-part mini-festival boasts an impressive lineup of artists who have contributed to Wesley Anne’s rich musical heritage, creating a celebration that spans nearly half a year.

The Wes Turns 22

  • Wesley Anne, 250 High Street, Northcote
  • 24 May – 20 September, 2025

Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.

The festivities kick off on 24 May with Jazzy Saturday, setting the tone for the anniversary celebrations. This first event will be followed by Wild Folk in late June, capturing the venue’s longstanding support of Melbourne’s folk scene.

As the celebration continues through winter, the Wes will embrace its indie roots with Indie Sleaze in July, followed by Country Affair in August, highlighting the venue’s diverse musical programming.

The series culminates on 20 September with The Finale, bringing the 22nd anniversary celebrations to a fitting conclusion after five months of musical exploration.

Artists participating in the anniversary events include Laneous, John Henderson, Maxwell Brady, Tom Riccioni, and Daisy Kilbourne, among others who have graced the stage of Wesley Anne throughout its history.

These free events not only honour the venue’s past but also look toward its future as a vital space for Melbourne’s music community. With its unique church-like architecture and intimate atmosphere, Wesley Anne has become a fixture in Northcote’s vibrant cultural landscape.

The venue’s 22-year history represents a significant achievement in Melbourne’s often challenging live music scene, where venues frequently come and go. Through changing musical trends and economic pressures, the Wes has maintained its commitment to local artists and diverse programming.

Each of the five events offers free entry and promises good vibes alongside great tunes, making this anniversary celebration accessible to all music lovers. Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to the venue, the anniversary series provides multiple opportunities to experience what makes Wesley Anne special.

Full details about all upcoming festivities, including complete lineups and set times, are available on the Wesley Anne website as the celebration dates approach.

For more information, head here.