Beloved Hunter Valley festival The Gum Ball has unveiled 17 additional acts for its milestone 20th anniversary celebration, reinforcing its reputation for diverse programming and musical discovery.
Leading the announcement is Australian hip-hop collective The Herd, alongside acclaimed songwriter Liz Stringer. Brisbane folk outfit The Gin Club will stage a reunion performance, while US act Vapors of Morphine brings international flavour to the bushland gathering.
The latest roster spans the continent, featuring Victorian alt-rock bands The Pretty Littles and Human Noise, South Australian indie folk group Axe & The Ivory and Northern Territory hip-hop crew Dem Mob. The expansion also welcomes Tasmania’s Holiday Mystics, Perth’s Rinehearts and children’s entertainers Junior Burger from Queensland.
The Gum Ball 2025
- April 25-27, 2025
- Warm-up concert: April 24, 2025
- Dashville, Lower Belford, Hunter Valley NSW
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These newcomers join an already impressive lineup featuring Ben Lee, The Peep Tempel, Grace Cummings, The Stems and Kim Churchill. The festival’s complete roster now stands at 34 acts, with more additions expected.
Festival founder Matt Johnston reflects on the event’s evolution from its humble beginnings. “From little things big things grow,” he says, referencing Kev Carmody while recounting his initial pitch to host a festival in his parents’ front yard back in 2004.
The Gum Ball has since transformed into a multifaceted cultural event, expanding beyond music to include art installations, comedy performances, professional skateboarding demonstrations and a silent disco.
The festival maintains its commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, with past performers including Mudhoney, Hoodoo Gurus and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
Operating on Johnston family property, now known as Dashville, the festival has cultivated a reputation for its intimate atmosphere and dedication to permaculture principles.
The natural amphitheatre setting provides a unique backdrop for performances, while camping facilities allow attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.
The Gum Ball continues to distinguish itself through its musician-led organization and focus on community development, offering what organizers describe as an ultimate live music experience for those seeking something more palatable than mainstream festival offerings.
For tickets and more information on The Gum Ball 2025, head here.
