Bars and Venues Across Sydney Will Shut the Music off This Friday in a Powerful Statement on What Our State Looks Like Without Crucial Funding for Entertainment

A city without music sounds like a pretty dull proposition for a Friday night, but that’s exactly what partygoers can expect at 9:30pm on Friday March 24, as bars and venues across Sydney turn the volume way down in a powerful statement on what nightlife looks like without tunes and entertainment.

An initiative by the Night Time Industries Association and Independent Bars Association , in support of the Vote Music campaign , will encourage voters and revellers to consider what a NSW without music in our venues actually looks like. While the protest will last just five short minutes, the message is clear, reminding people of the crucial role a vibrant nightlife has in our state, and what it feels like when the music dies.

Bars including Earl’s Juke Joint , Jacoby’s , The Abercrombie and plenty more will all participate and unplug the AUX cord.

“So much extraordinary work has come out of the office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s team,” said Mick Gibb, Night Time Industries Association chief executive officer, in a statement on his Linkedin page. “This team needs continued support and investment. We can’t throw our hands in the air and say, ‘Job’s done’, we need to double down and continue to back the night.”

The timing of the move is no coincidence, with the NSW state election coming the following day on March 25 (stock up on the Powerade and get out there for a democracy sausage).