Rock and bank-roll: Yours and Owls picks up $100,000 sponsorship
Wollongong City Council said it was pleased to continue its support of Yours and Owls with $100,000 for the 2026 event as well as in-kind support
It’s the biggest musical event in town and Wollongong City Council has joined the moshpit with a big contribution in support of the Yours and Owls festival in October.
A fortnight ago, Yours and Owls confirmed its two-day festival would return to Flagstaff Hill on Saturday, October 3, before heading into Wollongong's CBD the following day to bring venues in the city centre to life.
“Having run this festival for a touch over 10 years, one thing we have become accustomed to is a changing landscape,” said Ben Tillman from Yours and Owls.
“Whether it be bushfires, floods, a global pandemic, or the cost-of-living crisis, we have always found a way forward. At times this has meant being flexible and adapting to new conditions; a format change, moving sites or rethinking our approach entirely.
“But the one thing that has always remained, and stays with us still, is our commitment to deliver the best festival, grounded in what we believe a festival should be.
“In a world that feels increasingly heavy and chaotic, we want to offer a place to unwind and have a good time.”
Scenes from the 2025 Y&O festival. Photos: Tyneesha Williams
A spokesperson for Wollongong City Council said it was pleased to continue its support of Yours and Owls.
“Together with state and federal investment, it bolsters the event’s reach and can help shape a long-lasting legacy for Wollongong,” the spokesperson said.
The council has confirmed it will provide $100,000 in financial support this year as well as in-kind support.
“Council was a sponsor of the festival in 2025 and contributed $105,000. Council also provided $15,605 in-kind support in the form of a 50 per cent site fee waiver,” the spokesperson added.
Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said the council felt it was important to support Yours and Owls, especially during challenging times.
“The festival sector is facing tough times, and we’ve seen some much-loved music festivals drop off the map in recent years. We want to ensure Yours and Owls survives and continues to thrive in Wollongong,” Cr Brown said.
“Last year’s festival, the first at Flagstaff Hill, was a brilliant event and attracted more than 15,000 people. When these events are full, our restaurants, hotels, motels and tourist parks are full, too.
“They’re taking a bit of a different approach this year and looking to activate our CBD, which is something we are always supportive of. What that looks like logistically is still to be determined, but we’re in ongoing discussions about the best pathway to approvals.
“We want to ensure our community can enjoy marquee events in our own backyard, and that our business community can enjoy the economic benefits of events that bring people into our CBD.”
Yours and Owls brings the crowds to Flagstaff Hill. Photos: Tyneesha Williams
Ben Tillman and his team is building a quality line-up of bands and artists.
“In a world that feels increasingly heavy and chaotic, we want to offer a place to unwind and have a good time," he said. "We want to offer an unforgettable experience whilst making sure we‘re viable and able to come back and grow year on year, and we feel that this 2026 festival model will allow us to achieve this.”
