Independent music and arts festival Sleepless is set to take over Melbourne’s inner west this May, with a vibrant showcase of music, performance, and art installation.
The festival will build on the success of its 2023 event, by celebrating the depth of culture and talent in Melbourne’s west, as well as the suburb’s potential as a thriving arts community with a vibrant nightlife.
“Sleepless is our beacon of hope for the world-class talent coming out of Melbourne’s West. It’s a tough time for the live entertainment industry, but we know that Aussies want to be part of a culture that supports the arts,” Sleepless Festival Artistic Director Troy Rainbow says.
“By making Sleepless as accessible as possible, we’re giving music and arts lovers the opportunity to support the incredible talent right here in our own backyard for the third year running.”
The festival kicks off in early May, and features a diverse line-up of immersive experiences, theatre, comedy, film screenings, and captivating art installations, held in unlikely places.
(Video from Sleepless Festival 2023)
Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival will run as part of Sleepless – an offbeat short film festival taking place over three days, and celebrating the weird, wonderful shorts created by Australian filmmakers.
Elsewhere, there’s ‘Perhaps It’ll Be The Death Of Me’, a thought-provoking, shop-front performance piece from Lady Mohawk; a collaboration between musicians SXSEA and Big Bao; a high energy performance from improv ensemble Melbourne Trap Orchestra; a multi-channel video visualisation presenting a debate about the legitimacy and ethics of AI; a mobile concert from Astra Choir; cowpunk band Goatlaw and post-punk disco Carpal Tunnel at Footscray Records; immersive installation Machine Dreams from Nick Clark; Natalie Blom’s Everyday Alchemy, presenting experimental analogue photography using household items, and more.
“Footscray has it all,” Troy says. “From its diverse community to vibrant nightlife and cultural events, Footscray is Melbourne’s best-kept secret, hidden in plain sight.”
“We have big plans for Sleepless and can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to collaborate with the most talented creatives Melbourne has to offer, both in the years to come, and this May when the festival comes to life. So grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll see you in the west!”
Tickets are on sale now.
Sleepless Festival takes place from 4-19 May across Footscray (Melbourne).
