Aussie music festival reveals stacked line-up

A major Australian music festival has revealed a stacked line-up, with local and international artists set to feature, including Hilltop Hoods and The Jungle Giants.

The Northern Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival BASSINTHEGRASS, which attracted 16,000 people in 2024, will return to Darwin’s Mindil Beach on May 17.

Aussie hip-hop royalty Hilltop Hoods, fresh off their new single The Gift, will be joining the likes of The Dreggs, Cyril, Jax Jones and house duo Jaded, both from the UK, as well as Nigeria’s Kah-Lo for the 22nd edition of the all-ages festival.

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Hilltop Hoods group member Barry Francis, aka DJ Debris, said it’s one of the trio’s favourite festivals to play.

“We haven’t been to Darwin for three years and our whole team are excited and looking forward to performing at BASSINTHEGRASS with such a great line-up,” he said.

The 2025 edition will showcase a huge line-up of Australian talent, featuring ARIA, AIR and J awards winners Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, and 3%.

Joining them are homegrown favourites The Amity Affliction, Old Mervs, The Rions, Baby J, Hope D, Latifa Tee, Jazmine Nikitta, and Hot Dub Time Machine.

Darwin-born DJ and producer Cyril said it was a “dream come true” to play at the festival after a standout year in 2024 when his single Stumblin’ In became one of the most-played songs on Australian radio.

“It’s such an incredible festival that brings some of the world’s best talent to the Northern Territory and I can’t wait,” he said.

The festival’s 360-degree BASSment stage will return in 2025, hosting a line-up of electronic artists, including Australian music producer Luude.

Northern Territory Major Events Company interim chief executive Trevor Cox said the festival had continued to “evolve” since it was established in 2003.

“Over 22 years, the Territory’s favourite music festival has grown into a must-attend event on the national festival calendar,” he said.

“It’s also one of the most affordable festivals in Australia.”

Festival admission is $135 for people aged over 14, with festival packages ranging from $250 to $350, while kids 13 and under are free.

New to the festival this year will be BASS Camp, a family-friendly retreat with kids activities, including a silent disco, face painting and glitter station.