THE Big Chill Festival at Armidale has reached new heights, with record ticket sales this year as its reputation as a regional favourite continues to grow.
As the region’s biggest ticketed event, the festival is carving out a name for itself by bringing back an authentic festival experience with a community focus.
With no major promoter involved, it is driven by a dedicated Council team committed to bringing outstanding artists to the region, boosting the local economy and celebrating everything that makes the Armidale region unique.
With a carefully curated line-up that blends local talent with established national artists, crowds were treated to a standout line-up including The Presets, Jungle Giants, Sneaky sound system and many more.
Now in its sixth year, ticket sales continued to exceed expectations, with an increase of more than 15 per cent in 2026 compared to 2025, delivering not only a staggering $4.4 million in total economic benefit, including $2.8 million in direct expenditure for businesses.
Visitors came from every state in Australia with visitor tickets rising from 45 per cent in 2025, to a massive 51 per cent in 2026.
Armidale Regional Council mayor, Sam Coupland, said the winter chill has an enormous pull for coastal visitors.
“This gives them the opportunity to enjoy the fire pits, warm drinks and cool-country vibes, while also experiencing the last of our beautiful autumn leaves,” Cr Coupland said.
“Our local community come out in droves to support this event and are so proud that regional community can pull off such a high-calibre music festival event.”
The Big Chill Festival is more about community than profit. From the dedicated Little Chillers kids zone featuring Bluey and circus acts, to electronic, blues and classical music – the all-ages event catered for young and old.
A stage filled with local acts, local vendors showcasing their creativity, dedicated local volunteers and staff, and activations outside the event such as a charity cold water swim and local markets, continues to give the festival its soul.
A strong focus on sustainability this year made a substantial impact to the festival’s environmental footprint.
Council’s waste team passionately delivered a more sustainable, waste-free festival.
Some 78 per cent of waste from the festival was either recycled or composted, in line with Council’s innovative approach to waste programs.
It takes a village to deliver the festival, and organisers are ever thankful to major sponsor the University of New England and the many dedicated local community groups that provide support to the event.
In 2026, The Big Chill Festival was supported by two grants – Destination NSW Regional Event Fund that allowed for broader marketing of the event, and the Revive Live Fund that helped to create a more inclusive experience through accessibility enhancements, festival production and showcasing emerging artists.
The festival returns next year on Saturday May 15. For more information, visit Big Chill.
