Attendance up 11% for WAM Festival

This month’s WAM Festival saw an 11% increase in attendance, drawing over 11,000 over its four days. Altogether, 166 live acts and DJs played 29 shows in 28 venues, 16 of them free.

According to organiser WAM, the WA Music Conference sold a record number of tickets after showcasing more speakers (64 in 14 panels) than in past years.

Sell-outs were also recorded for the WA Music Awards which this year moved to Jack Rabbit Slim’s for its 35 categories, as well as the Moshtix Quay Note Boat Party for which “the feedback has been so overwhelming that we’re already organizing a return for 2016,” the association said.

The Block Party reached capacity, with over 3,500 punters representing a 17% increase in attendance. But in a nod to its main partner Alcohol. Think Again!, WAM also reported that bar takings at the event were down 30% on last year.

Saturday Spectacular indoor venues in Northbridge saw a 60% increase in crowds for 80 acts, while a number of the Friday Showcases sold-out or reached capacity, with over 2,600 attendees.

The event drew acclaim from attendees. “It was a big step up from the 2014 event, which itself was great, so 2015 was just amazing!” said Nick Findlay, triple j. “What a perfect event!” according to booker Edwin Tehrani of Sydney’s New World Artists.

Perth band Tired Lion, one of those performing alongside the likes of Methyl Ethyl and Ruby Boots at The Courtyard Club, posted, “Thanks to WAM for an amazing couple of days! Last night’s crowd was awesome, thanks for making us feel loved and getting into the vibes!”

Other showcases included those by Pilerats Records at Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Status Factory Records at Babushka Leederville and 15 acts at Sunday Best at the Fremantle Arts Centre and the revamped The Newport Hotel.