THE Big Chill Festival returns for its fifth year with more energy, flavour, and fire than ever and this year, it’s backed by a powerhouse local partner, the University of New England.
UNE has signed on as major sponsor for the 2025 Big Chill event, marking a bold step forward in celebrating and supporting regional arts, music and community spirit.
Now entering its biggest year yet, the Big Chill Festival will take place on Saturday, May 17 at the Armidale Showground.
With UNE on board as a major sponsor, the festival is set to deliver an even richer experience, spotlighting live music, local food, arts, and the winter magic of the Armidale region.
Armidale Regional Council mayor, Sam Coupland, says the partnership reflects the university’s strong connection with the Armidale community and is a milestone moment for the festival’s growth.
“UNE’s partnership is instrumental in helping the Big Chill Festival grow while staying true to its regional roots,” Cr Coupland said.
“This commitment allows us to elevate the festival experience and demonstrates the UNE’s continued passion for our local community and the growth of our region.
“Securing major sponsorship helps us expand the scope of the festival while staying true to what makes it special – local stories, shared experiences, and the unique winter atmosphere of the New England region.
“With music festivals all over Australia struggling to stay alive, and many have already folded, it’s partnerships like this that allow us to continue to bring exciting and unique events and experiences to our region and to continue positioning ourselves as a must-visit cool climate destination,” he said.
Future students and engagement director, Bryn Griffiths, said UNE’s support for the Big Chill Festival reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional relationships.
“The University has been part of this community for over 70 years and we are proud to support the people, places and events that make New England distinctive,” Mr Griffiths said.
“In addition to our ongoing regional support, UNE has many alumni living and working in this region, and events like the Big Chill provide an ideal platform to catch up, reconnect and celebrate what we have in common.
“It’s a reason for alumni to come back, rug up and relive a bit of their past but this time with craft beer and an amazing music line-up,” he said.
The Big Chill Festival continues to shine a light on the Armidale region’s booming creative culture and thriving food and beverage scene, strengthening the region’s profile as a hub for music, community, and winter adventure.
With a legendary line-up including Peking Duk, San Cisco, Vera Blue, Jebediah, Ruby Fields, and many more, The Big Chill Festival offers an unforgettable top-tier live music experience usually only experienced in metropolitan and coastal areas.
Beyond the music, Big Chill 2025 is a feast for the senses.
Festival-goers will experience award-winning craft beers, distilleries, and wineries, gourmet food trucks and world-renowned barbecue pitmasters, cozy fire pits, a family-focused Little Chillers zone, fiery chilli-eating competition, and the exhilarating Big Chilly dam cold-water plunge.
The Big Chill Festival tickets are on sale now.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to: www.bigchillfestival.com.au
