Live music is returning with a pyrotechnic bang to regional Victoria with the inaugural Knight and Day Festival.
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It kicks off on Thursday afternoon before a massive New Year's Eve celebration.
With a powerhouse lineup led by Byron Bay world-beaters Parkway Drive and Polaris, hardcore, metal, rock, and punk fans are in for a treat.
Tickets for the two-night festival are almost sold out, and organisers have arranged shuttle buses to and from both the Ballarat train station and the extra parking at the Dunnstown Football Netball Club all day - patrons will need to pre-book bus tickets.
The festival is expected to attract about 5000 fans to Ballarat, providing a boost for accommodation and other attractions over what's usually a quieter period in the city.
Kryal Castle is no stranger to live music events, but it's been a while between drinks - the venue held massive raves in the early 2000s, but Knight and Day will be its first metal and hardcore festival.
General manager Bart Hamilton said he was excited, with the stage under construction already.
"This is the first of many, we've signed a five year contract with (the event managers), and we expect a lot of festivals coming through Kryal Castle," he said. "I think it's a phenomenal music venue, especially for large festivals.
"The castle itself is already well-setup for it all, but really it's just great to see live music back in general."
Headliners Parkway Drive have promised a full greatest hits show, including all the flamethrowers and pyrotechnics a New Year's Eve show deserves - Mr Hamilton said it was important for everyone to note the CFA will at the ready for the entire show, and there will be a police presence on hand.
Forbes Road will be closed on both days, with permits required for entry, and other road users should be aware of more traffic in the area.
Gates open at noon on both Thursday and Friday - limited tickets are available online.
KNIGHT AND DAY 2021 LINEUP:
- Parkway Drive
- Polaris
- Alex Lahey
- Bakers Eddy
- Clowns
- Diamond Construct
- Hellions (Performing Opera Oblivia)
- Justice For The Damned
- Make Them Suffer
- Paperweight
- Saviour
- Terra
- The Beautiful Monument
- The Chats
- The Getaway Plan (Performing Other Voices, Other Rooms)
- The Gloom In The Corner
- To The Grave
- Trophy Eyes
- Void Of Vision
- Windwaker