The event is usually staged in November, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, organisers have announced a special “Melbourne Music Week Extended” event that will take place between December and February. The rescheduling will allow for the roll out of a more dispersed and much larger and longer programme over the summer months.
The line-up of talent will concentrate on local artists to help support the Victorian music industry's recovery in a time of great need, and as such, will also provide opportunities for independent events and venues to participate. It is estimated that greater than 200,000 industry members have lost work and income due to the pandemic.
CEO of Melbourne City, Justin Hanney, said the extended event will provide an opportunity for many people to once again enjoy live music performances particularly at a time of year that has traditionally been extremely important for venues. He added:
"Melbourne’s live music scene is renowned internationally and employs thousands of people. We really want Melburnians to get out and support our venues this summer because it’s been an incredibly tough year."
Events such as this also showcase the diversity of locally-based music acts and can provide artists with important exposure through promotional poster printing campaigns.
The extended version of Melbourne Music Week will be officially launched on November 25. It will take place from December 9, 2020 to February 28, 2021.