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Paddington Reservoir Gardens to Host Free Night Concerts

The historic gardens will transform into an open-air music venue this summer, showcasing emerging artists and enhancing community nightlife.

18 May 2025 at 5:18 PM | By BridgeView Bulletin Editorial Team

The historic Paddington Reservoir Gardens will transform into an enchanting open-air concert venue this summer, thanks to a new initiative by the City of Sydney aimed at revitalizing public spaces through community-driven cultural programming. The project will bring free nighttime performances to the iconic site every weekend through January and February.

The reservoir’s sunken sandstone arches and reflective pools will serve as a striking backdrop for a curated lineup of local musicians, ranging from jazz quartets and folk ensembles to contemporary indie acts and Indigenous performers. Organizers say the emphasis is on diversity, accessibility, and celebrating Sydney’s rich cultural identity.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore praised the initiative as a vital step toward reimagining urban spaces for inclusive community engagement. 'Paddington Reservoir is already a beloved site for reflection and heritage,' she said. 'Now, it will also become a space where people gather to share music and connection under the stars.'

Acoustic testing and lighting trials have been underway since October to ensure the concerts respect the integrity of the heritage-listed structure and minimize disruption to local residents. Temporary staging and low-impact sound equipment will be used to preserve the site’s tranquil atmosphere.

The concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with each evening featuring two acts and brief interludes. Local food trucks and pop-up stalls will offer refreshments, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and low chairs.

Musicians were selected through a public call-out that drew over 300 submissions. A panel of curators, including representatives from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and local arts organizations, selected 32 acts based on originality, quality, and audience appeal. Many of the performers are emerging artists based in inner Sydney.

Local business owners have voiced strong support, hoping the increased foot traffic will benefit cafes and shops in the Oxford Street precinct. 'We’ve had a tough few years,' said Fiona Charles, owner of a nearby bookstore. 'These concerts might bring the buzz we need to stay afloat through summer.'

The City of Sydney has budgeted $200,000 for the program, covering artist fees, logistics, and promotional efforts. The initiative forms part of the council’s post-pandemic recovery plan, which emphasizes creative placemaking and renewed investment in local arts infrastructure.

Community safety remains a key priority. COVID-safe measures will be in place, including hand sanitizing stations, crowd density monitoring, and QR code check-ins where applicable. Security staff and first-aid responders will be on site to ensure the evenings run smoothly.

The initiative has already generated excitement online, with early teasers shared via social media gathering thousands of likes and comments. Residents from surrounding suburbs such as Surry Hills and Woollahra have expressed plans to attend, citing the unique charm of the venue and its convenient location.

Should the pilot season prove successful, city officials are considering expanding the program to other heritage sites, including the Garrison Church Courtyard and Glebe Foreshore Parks. Public feedback will be gathered throughout the summer to guide future iterations of the event series.