Home / Arts and Entertainment / Laneway Festival Director Steps Down After 16 Years
Laneway Festival Director Steps Down After 16 Years
18 Aug
Summary
- Festival director Jessie Parker announced her departure after 16 years.
- Her exit follows Laneway's most successful 2025 run with 200,000 attendees.
- Laneway won the ARIA Award for Best Festival and Music Event of the Year.
Jessie Parker, festival director for Australia and New Zealand's Laneway Festival, has announced her resignation after 16 years. Parker, who began as an event assistant, will step down at the end of August 2026, having served six years as General Manager/Festival Director. This departure occurs after Laneway's highly successful 2025 season, which saw 200,000 attendees across multiple cities and garnered awards for Best Festival and Music Event of the Year.
Parker highlighted her involvement in industry associations as a significant contribution during a transformative period for live music. While her next steps are undecided, she expressed openness to new opportunities. Laneway, part of the TEG group, has yet to name a successor. The festival is scheduled to return in 2027 but will omit Adelaide and Perth from its tour next year, focusing on Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland.
