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Melburnians can welcome the New Year in style at Sun Cycle’s huge dance party

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SUN CYCLE
Words by Kaya Martin

Sun Cycle will set the tone for a vibey 2024.

New Year’s Day isn’t just like any other day. It’s a moment to give a goodbye kiss to all of the highs and lows of the year before, to leave them in the past and kick off a brand new era that’ll hopefully be even brighter. First impressions matter, which is why it’s important to make sure your New Year’s Day sets the tone for a year full of good times.

And if you’re in Melbourne, there’s no better way to set the right vibes than by partying the day away at Sun Cycle. In its fifth iteration this year, the single-day festival has gained a reputation for being a standout of the holiday season. Showcasing a tight-knit roster of soul, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and electronica acts at the sun-soaked Coburg Velodrome, Sun Cycle 2024 will give the first day of the year the treatment it deserves.


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Last year’s edition saw the likes of American rapper Freddie Gibbs perform alongside dance and electronic mainstays including Folamour, DJ Boring, Sherelle and Palm Trax. The team have upped the ante this year with five impressive headliners scheduled to perform across the three festival stages: Body Heat (presented by Resident Advisor), Inner Orbit and Simmer Down.

Portuguese-Danish singer Erika de Casier will bring the grooves. Formerly one half of Saint Cava, she’s gained a cult following for her signature sound that fuses buttery R&B vocals with experimental, contemporary pop. She’ll be joined by the current cool kids of electronic music, the Welsh breakbeat duo Overmono. Their debut record, Good Lies, caused quite a stir in the underground scenes and beyond when it dropped earlier this year.

The German DJ and producer Objekt will be unleashing his cutting-edge beats onto fans at the Velodrome. Known for pushing boundaries and creating effortlessly danceable tracks, he’ll be bringing his show straight from a late-night Berlin club to a massive Sun Cycle stage. Grammy-nominated Canadian house producer Jayda G and the Melbourne-based psychedelic jazz group Midlife are also locked in to deliver unforgettable sets.

 

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Elsewhere on the lineup, you’ll find Marcellus Pittman, Lady Shaka back-to-back with Stev Zar, Maara, DJ Fart in the Club, Miss Kannina, Strange Interactions, Ben Fester, Kaylani, Vv Pete, DJ Luv You, Wax’o Paradiso, Zakia, Vv Pete, Dita, Baby G, Sophie Forrest and Poli-Pearl. Melbourne’s iconic Now Here This All Star Band is also set to grace the stage as well as a first-ever back-to-back set with Moktar and DJ Plead.

Echoing through the gorgeous outdoor location, the music will be complemented by bespoke stage designs, mesmerising visual displays and massive interactive art experiences. If you need a break from the boogie, head over to the chill-out area to grab a drink or a snack – there will be plenty of on-site options from some of Melbourne’s most coveted culinary institutions.

What sets Sun Cycle apart from the plethora of other summer-season events is its community focus. Located at 30 to 34 Charles St in Coburg North, the venue is nestled into the cultural hotspot of Melbourne’s Inner North, making it oh-so-easy to grab your friends (and your hat and sunscreen!) and head on up for a day of fun in the sun. It’s only a 30-minute drive from the city and right by Batman Station, which means no road-tripping and no camping out. Afterwards, you’ll be able to catch some much-needed R&R from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a Sun Cycle veteran or a festival newcomer, the event welcomes everyone with open arms. For one day only, the classic bike track will be the centre of all things joyous – a safe and inclusive place to celebrate the unknown potential of the New Year.

To grab your tickets to Sun Cycle 2024, head here

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