Live Nation acquires major Australian festivals

Two of Australia's largest festivals Splendour in the Grass and Falls have been acquired by Live Nation.

The LA-based group has bought a 51 per cent stake in Secret Sounds Group, which runs the country's largest winter festival, Splendour in the Grass, in Byron Bay, as well as Falls Festival which takes place across four states over the New Year's period.

Secret Sounds co-founders Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco said the move would not impact the Secret Sounds publishing and record label interests.

"We started Secret Sounds with the sole mission of introducing Australians to the best artists, events and music possible, and Live Nation is the perfect partner to help us take this goal to the next level," they said in a statement.

“With their support we can continue to curate the line-ups that fans love, while also experimenting with new exciting ways for fans to experience live music.”

Live Nation, which has a branch in Melbourne, adds the new additions to an international festival list including Bonnaroo, Reading and Leeds festivals and Electric Daisy Carnival.

Alison Wonderland, The Avalanches and Booka Shade are playing Falls this month.

Scott Carbines is Mixmag's Australian Digital Content Editor, follow him on Twitter

[Via: The Australian]