Oztix | News | Holy Moly, WAMFest Just Announced A Massive First Line-up Of More Than 125 Acts

WAMFest 2017 is shaping up to be an absolutely massive affair, spanning four days, over 30 venues, a raft of free shows and more than 180 West Australian acts, more than 125 of whom have just been announced on the event's first line-up.

Hitting the stage for the event's newly renamed WAMFest Live Saturday programming will be the likes of everyone from Akioka, Belle Harvey, Boat Show and Childsaint to Georgia Reed, Illyria, Old Blood, Pat Chow, Rag N' Bone and The Caballeros, as well as BIGSOUND standouts Stella Donnelly and Ziggy Ramo, among stacks of other goodness.

Let us reiterate: this doesn't even take into account the programming for Friday and Sunday, nor the epic Opening Party (featuring over 40 shows and over 15 free events). This is just one day of the event. And did we mention the shows are free? Because they're free.

"This year we continued to focus on what WAMFest nailed over the last couple of years, showcasing some of the best from the alternative WA scene," co-coordinator Mark Neal told The Music. "WAMFest’s old Saturday Spectacular has been a shining example of what is great about WA music, not only in the alternative genre but in other areas as well.

"This year, we expand to showcase more genres, more up-and-coming stuff, stacks of regional love, and we do it all across the multitude of venues who are already a big beacon of awesomeness within the WA music community. Plus some very exciting new ones that are set to take the festival to the next level.”

It's unsurprising that it's already looking to be its biggest shindig yet, too, with a record-breaking 326 artists having applied for the chance to showcase their stuff at the multi-day musical mecca. As a result, the good folks at WAM have had to cast their net a little wider on the logistical front this year.

"We are excited to expand into the city, using Amplifier and Capitol for WAMFest again, and thrilled to have new venues like Tetsuo NC, one of the first events in The Sewing Room, and WAMFest debuts at shiny spaces in Laneway Lounge and The Globe," Neal said in a statement.

"All-ages stages catering to young and 18+ alike will see a diverse mix of fine songwriters at the Perth Cultural Centre Wetlands, and youth-relevant acts in Forrest Place, both starting from 12pm to cater for anyone who needs a place to combine live music with a bite to eat.

"We also have an all-ages-friendly area within this year’s debut Lot Party. Wesley Church will also cater to all ages, in another WAMFest first."

A little overwhelmed by it all? We don't blame you. But, thankfully, you've plenty of time to wrap your head around the full extent of this year's parties and proceedings at the event's website.

WAMFest runs from 1-5 November. Feast your eyes on WAMFest Live Saturday's line-up below.