The iconic White Bay Power Station will again open its doors to the city’s art scene to host Sydney’s next free music festival, Power Up.

After welcoming 180,000 visitors for the Biennale of Sydney, the Power Up festival will celebrate the creativity of local talent with over 100 artists and 200 musicians and performers set to take the stage.

The Boiler House will take visitors on a sonic journey with DJs, choirs, Sydney Youth Orchestras - Peter Seymour Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra and electrifying bands. The Turbine Hall will hold fun workshops for the whole family.

The headline act is platinum-selling, ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Josh Pyke who grew up around the corner from White Bay Power Station. Josh will be performing his iconic catalogue, including his hit song “Middle of the Hill” and sharing stories about his life in the neighbourhood.

During the festival, visitors can also view finalists for the 14th GreenWay Art Prize which will be on exhibition. The GreenWay Art Prize was established to capture the essence of the GreenWay (from the Cooks River to Iron Cove) through visual art and to celebrate the vibrancy, creativity and community spirit of the Inner West.

The Power Up Festival is the second free public event at White Bay Power Station and opens on Friday 20 September until Sunday 22 September 2024.

The NSW Government is developing a long-term strategy for the building to ensure that it becomes a cultural asset for current and future generations.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said: “White Bay Power Station will once again come alive with over 100 artists and over 200 musicians and performers at the Power Up Festival.

"There will be an incredible diversity of creative talent from visual artists to musicians to magicians who live and work in the area. This weekend of artistic expression aligns with our vision for White Bay Power Station to be a great arts and cultural and community venue for Sydney.”

Minister for the Transport Jo Haylen said: “The heritage White Bay Power Station is now the Inner West’s most iconic arts precinct, and it’s exciting to see more special events heading its way for the community to enjoy.

“The transformation of White Bay Power Station into a new arts space has been incredible, but we’re not finished yet. We’re investing $17 million to improve walking, cycling and public transport access for this site so more Sydneysiders and visitors to enjoy this unique asset.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “The Power Up festival provides another fantastic opportunity for people to explore White Bay Power Station.

"This free festival is open to everyone. We had over 180,000 visitors to the first event, Biennale of Sydney and the feedback was sensational and I know there are many Sydneysiders and visitors who will welcome the chance to visit the site and experience this festival.

"Our continuing focus on great public spaces and White Bay Power Station as a community hub, is a commitment to the future of our city, its identity and quality of life."

Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne said: “This is another big step forward in making White Bay Power Station an arts and culture hub.

“The array of Inner West talent performing at Power Up will attract a bumper crowd of music and arts lovers.”

For more information visit https://www.whitebaypowerstation.com/