Keira Lane will put on its Sunday best for 'Keira Laneway Live', a free family-friendly event featuring live music, roving performers, delicious outdoor dining, and good vibes on Sunday 22 March.
The event is enabled through Wollongong City Council's participation in the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program under the NSW Government's Vibrant Streets Package. It reflects Council's focus on bringing vibrancy to streets in our suburbs and CBD through accessible, community-friendly activities.
Public streets are more than just essential infrastructure that allow movement through suburbs and precincts. With creative and cultural activations, they can also play a vital role in creating community connection and supporting local businesses.
"As we've already seen with events like Open Street at Port Kembla and Thirroul, our community loves seeing our streets brought to life," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"Vibrant, street-based events have been embraced in our suburbs, and I've got no doubt it will be embraced in our CBD through the upcoming Keira Laneway Live event. The food and entertainment program offers something for everyone, through the afternoon and into the evening.
"We want to bring that festival atmosphere to public spaces, and through the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot program, we're also looking at ways to make it easier for community and business groups to hold their own events that activate our streets. These events foster community connection, while stimulating our economy and supporting local businesses.
"Whether you're passing through or setting up camp from start to finish, there'll be plenty of things to see, do and taste, and no better place to be on Sunday March 22."
Keira Laneway Live will be Wollongong City Council's first event under the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program. We're one of 17 councils taking part in the current funding round of the initiative which aims to reduce the cost and complexity of holding street-based community events while energising our streets and stimulating local economies.
Councils to receive funding are asked to identify ways in which costs and processes for things like road closures and site approvals can be streamlined and simplified. This, ultimately, makes it easier for community groups to hold their own public events that connect people and places and foster a sense of belonging.
The grant has enabled placement of two new power boxes in Keira Lane, another at Thirroul, and upgrades to existing power boxes in Port Kembla and Crown Street. These can power things like amps and speakers, event lighting and other installations without the need for portable generators.
We've also put in water access in both Port Kembla and Thirroul and purchased temporary hostile vehicle mitigation systems to make it easier and safer to hold events on streets.
Council has also simplified its requirements around approvals for events and is in the process of implementing a new booking system – all aimed at reducing red-tape and costs for event organisers.
Member for Wollongong Mr Paul Scully MP said the NSW Government is delighted to support another addition to Wollongong's events calendar.
"Wollongong has shown time and again it is ready to host festivals and events large and small," Mr Scully said.
"The NSW Government's Permit/Plug/Play pilot program makes it easier to activate our streets with festivals, markets and pop-up events that bring communities together while also giving local businesses a boost.
"With a $500,000 investment through this pilot, Keira Lane is being activated to create a vibrant and welcoming space where people can gather, celebrate and enjoy everything our local community has to offer."
General Manager of Wollongong City Council Greg Doyle said this program is one of many Council initiatives aimed at activating our CBD and supporting local businesses through community events and celebrations.
"We're really pleased to launch this event to bring people into the CBD and support local businesses in our city centre," Mr Doyle said.
"Having an active and vibrant CBD is one of our top priorities and we need to ensure we're providing a range of opportunities for our diverse community to come enjoy all it offers.
"We've listened to local businesses when it comes to things like extending the outdoor dining fee waiver, and we're looking at ways to stimulate our nighttime economy through initiatives like Live and Local to provide live music opportunities. Keira Laneway Live is another way to activate the city centre.
"We're grateful to be included in the NSW Government's Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program that allows us to host great events and explore ways we can make this process more accessible for our community."
Keira Laneway Live will run from 12 noon – 9pm on Sunday 22 March. Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Wollongong City Council.
The program for a full day of free live performances featuring The Strides, Victor Valdes Mexican Trio, Sacana Nation and more is now live on Council's website.
From live music on the main stage to pop‑up and roving entertainment and hands‑on activities like our free circus playground, there's something for everyone in the laneway.
