EOI - Lakeside Sounds 2027 - Entertainment Program

Lakeside Sounds is a new live music program by Lake Macquarie City Council that will run during Summer in 2027. Commencing on Friday 8 January and running over 8 weeks, a selection of local bands will be showcased every Friday night between Warners Bay Foreshore & Rotunda and Toronto Foreshore & Rotunda.

The series aims to:

• Support and highlight local musicians.
• Activate our nighttime economy and our foreshore reserves.
• Encourage the community to get out and about and enjoy Summer by the lake.
• Encourage the community to support local cafes & restaurants.
• Provide opportunity for young & emerging artists to play.
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Lake Macquarie City Council is opening an Expression of Interest (EOI) to provide a fair and transparent process for the Lakeside Sounds entertainment selection. This is an opportunity for duos, trios and bands to be part of the Summer in Lake Mac live music program. Selected acts will help to activate our foreshore reserves, be part of our Summer events program, entertain the Lake Mac community and continue a local tradition of live music by the lake. 

The EOI process allows Council to outline all the details about the program, Council expectations, payment details and selection criteria up front. Giving artists the choice of whether they want to apply or not. 

The EOI will make programming Lakeside Sounds more efficient by ascertaining interest and artist availability details via the application form. 

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking to program a diverse and engaging range of musicians every Friday night from 8 January 2027 for eight (8) weeks. The sites will alternate each week between Warners Bay Foreshore and Toronto Foreshore. Each week will showcase a different act. 

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking family friendly entertainment from 6pm – 8pm (2hrs) each Friday night between 8 January and 26 February 2027.

We are looking to engage duos, trios and bands. We are not looking to engage soloists for this program due to other local events having soloists. Lakeside Sounds is part of a larger Summer in Lake Mac program and we want the music selection to complement the objectives of this series and the other Summer events in our City. 

Budget

Each music act engaged for Lakeside Sounds will receive a set artist payment fee of $2,200.00 (+ GST and superannuation where applicable).
Where an artist may be represented by an agent or manager, any additional representative or admin fees will need to be taken out of the $2,200 payment. There is no additional budget for other fees that may be incurred. 

Submissions Evaluation

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Suitability:
  • Genre of music
  • Song list
  • Performance style
  • Alignment with program objectives
  • Availability
  • Entertaining 
• Audience engagement 
• Professionalism, past experience and feasibility
• Budget alignment
• Preference will be given to applicants located in Lake Macquarie

Lakeside Sounds performers will be expected to:

• Work with LMCC to deliver high-quality, family-friendly entertainment.
• Provide their own PA suitable for the location and area. 
• Provide stage lights (if possible).
• Provide good quality promotional images, videos, and links to social media/Youtube/website for Council use. 
• Advertise/promote Lakeside Sounds on their own social channels, using LMCC provided marketing collateral. 
• Abide by the finalised event’s run sheet and adhere to bump-in/out times and directions from the LMCC Events Team.
• Where possible, hold relevant insurances (Public Liability minimum $20 million).
• Be responsible for any loss or damage caused by their actions and will be required to hold adequate insurance for the duration of the engagement.  
• Adhere to the risk and emergency response management plans developed by LMCC Events Team. 
• Uphold the LMCC code of conduct and the reputation of LMCC Council.  

Lake Macquarie City Council will: 

• Provide the event locations and engage all appropriate contractor services to ensure the venue is fit-for-purpose.
• Provide Park hire, power and the use of the Rotundas. 
• Deliver staffing and operational services for the event.
• Provide the event project plan, governance and budget.
• Develop and manage the event brand, and marketing.  
• Provide staffing for the event.
• Provide marketing and promotion via council platforms.
• Engage with local businesses to notify them of the program, promote it and support the event. 

In the instance of adverse weather or unsafe conditions, Lake Macquarie City Council Events team will consult with the performer/s to determine if the event can be delivered safely, with the intention of making a decision 24 hours before the event where feasible. Note that there may be instances where a call needs to be made on event day. 

LMCC Events team will monitor the weather closely on the week leading up to each event. 

If a Lakeside Sounds event is cancelled by LMCC more than 24 hours beforehand, then Council agrees to pay 50% of the artist fee ($1,100 + GST and Superannuation where applicable)

If cancellation by LMCC occurs less than 24 hours beforehand, then Council agrees to pay 100% of the artist fee ($2,200 + GST and Superannuation where applicable)

If the artist cancels at any time, then they are not entitled to the artist payment. LMCC would expect that if an artist cancelled their performance, at least 24 hours' notice was given so a suitable replacement act could be found. 

As per the questions outlined below, your application should include:

• Artist representative details including ABN where available
• Name and bio of artist including a description of your music act including genre, style, performance and experience.
• Details on why you'd be a good fit for Lakeside Sounds. 
• Artist availability
• Photos, audio files, song list
• Links to music
• Links to Live Performance 
• Confirmation you can provide your own PA and manage sound levels. 
• Public Liability Insurance where applicable

Expressions of interest are open until 5pm, Monday 12 October 2026. To apply please complete this EOI form.

Contact 
For any questions regarding the requirements or process for Lakeside Sounds, please contact Events and Festivals Officer, Eliza Kelly via email at ekelly@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or ph.+61 2 4921 0544 during business hours Mon-Fri. 

Please provide details of the songs your group can perform. We are looking for groups that can perform family friendly entertainment over 2 hours which keeps the crowd engaged and entertained. Sets to feature a mix of songs, including covers and original songs where applicable. 

Add your links below

If you have other supporting documentation or information you want to share with us to support your application, please share in this section.

By submitting this Expression of Interest (EOI), I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and correct. 

I understand the responsibilities, expectations, and deliverables associated with providing live entertainment for the 2027 Lakeside Sounds program. 

I confirm our ability to perform at the event as scheduled and to supply all necessary resources, personnel, and equipment to fulfil my role professionally and safely. 

I acknowledge that, if successful, I will be required to enter into a formal agreement with Lake Macquarie City Council and comply with all terms and conditions outlined within that agreement. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete an Expression of Interest for Lakeside Sounds 2027. Applications close 5:00pm, Monday 12 October 2026 

All applicants will be assessed by LMCC staff based on the quality of responses to the Assessment Criteria questions. Every applicant will be advised of the outcome by 5:00pm, Tuesday 20 October 2026. 

If you have any questions relating to this application process or would like to discuss the details of your potential involvement prior to submitting an application, please contact Events and Festivals Officer, Eliza Kelly via email at ekelly@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or via phone +61 2 4921 0544.