Earp Distilling Co. has launched a new initiative, Earp Presents, aimed at delivering large-scale events that support Newcastle’s cultural and economic development. The initiative builds on the success of Carrodise 2023, a sold-out event held at the company’s Carrington venue and seeks to promote collaboration among local businesses while contributing to the region’s entertainment offerings.
The first event under the Earp Presents banner, Portside Festival 2024, took place on 21 and 22 December at The Station in Newcastle. The festival attracted thousands of attendees, showcasing a lineup of local and national artists. It involved partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, and community organisations, highlighting the collective effort required to bring such an event to life.
Several Newcastle-based producers contributed to the festival’s beverage offerings, including Modus Operandi Brewing, Good Folk Brewing, Peter Drayton Wines, Tilse’s Apple Truck Cider, and Earp Distilling Co. Spirits. These collaborations provided a platform to feature the region’s craft beverage industry and added to the festival’s local focus.
The festival also contributed to the local economy by increasing foot traffic to nearby businesses and supporting Newcastle’s hospitality and retail sectors.
In addition, Earp Presents partnered with the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG) to create a week of music leading up to Portside Festival across venues in the Newcastle CBD, further enriching the city’s cultural calendar and driving economic activity in the hospitality sector. Participating venues ranged from large spaces like Bartholomew’s, Queens Wharf Hotel, and The Grand Underground to boutique hotels like QT Newcastle and Crystalbrook Kingsley. Restaurants including MEET, Signal Box, and Rustica joined the initiative, alongside cafes like Momo Whole Foods and bars such as Coal and Cedar, The Falcon, and FogHorn. This collaboration not only showcased the diversity of Newcastle’s hospitality scene but also highlighted the city’s capacity to host vibrant, city-wide events.
Accommodation partners, including QT Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley, Little National Hotel, and Terminus Apartment Hotel, played a crucial role in welcoming visitors to the city. Their participation ensured attendees had access to premium lodging options, enhancing the overall event experience and encouraging extended stays that benefited Newcastle’s wider tourism economy.
The seamless execution of the festival was made possible by Equip Multimedia, a Newcastle-based production company specialising in sound, stage, and event production. Their expertise was instrumental in delivering a high-quality, professional event that left a lasting impression on attendees and participating artists alike.
Building on this momentum, Earp Presents continues to explore opportunities to deliver events that drive economic growth and strengthen community ties. The upcoming Over the Ditch festival, for example, underscores the initiative’s commitment to creating culturally significant events that resonate beyond entertainment. Featuring a blend of Australian and New Zealand artists, the festival highlights Newcastle’s unique position as a bridge between the two nations. While its focus remains on fostering cross-cultural musical exchange, its broader impact lies again in the support it provides to local vendors, tourism operators, and creative industries.
“The success of Portside Festival reinforced our belief in the strength and spirit of the Newcastle community,” Operations Manager of Earp Distilling Co, Cameron Burns said.
“It’s about more than just live music—it’s about creating opportunities for collaboration, driving economic activity, and showcasing Newcastle as a destination for culture and creativity,” he added.
As Earp Presents continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to build events that not only entertain but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the community. By prioritising collaboration and innovation, the initiative is helping shape a vibrant future for Newcastle.
IMAGE | Portside Festival 2024
