With headphones in our ears, and music coming from small devices holding an enormous amount of songs, we can enjoy music in a much different manner to the past.

But in Armidale on Saturday afternoon we have to chance to celebrate live music with the Locally Made & Played microfestival.

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The Armidale festival is one of eight being held in regional communities throughout the state, thanks to a state government program called Live & Local, and all eight festivals will take place in the current financial year.

In January, Tenterfield held an event, which saw live music as well as songwriting workshops, to encourage live music, and Armidale is the only other New England location to be part of the program that has seen the government kick in $150,000 to allow the councils to host the festivals.

The NSW Government initiative to take micro music festivals to country areas follows a similar program in the metropolitan region.

For four hours on Saturday, in venues stretching along the Beardy Street mall, and into some nearby hotels and shops, local artists will play live music. 

Venues will include Black Dot Music, Two Goats Cafe & Baa, Hanna’s Arcade, Charlie’s Last Stand, Reader’s Companion, Boobooks, the mall stage, and three hotels – the Royal, the New England and the Imperial.

As well as providing an opportunity for the public to enjoy live music, it also gives local musicians and venues the opportunity to get to know each other, which can only be a good thing for our city’s music scene.

When the council announced it would host the event, Mayor Simon Murray said a thriving live music scene was an essential ingredient for a vibrant city.

“The Armidale region has a number of singer songwriters and composers as well as instrument makers,” Cr Murray said.

“This is a great initiative where council can offer local artists a platform to be heard and earn an income from their passion.”

Not only do we hope this succeeds for Armidale, but we hope it benefits musicians and fans alike, who jump at the chance for to experience so much live music in a small proximity.

Late last year and early this year, the council called for musicians and artists to register their interest in playing at Locally Made & Played, which has resulted in a great line-up for the event.

All the venues are within walking distance, with a variety of artists and musical styles taking to the stages, with rock bands, classical music, jazz, pop, indie, soul, folk and country all included.

The music starts at 4pm, with artists mostly playing one-hour spots. The council said food retailers have been encouraged to stay open and cater for the music fans who take the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant live music scene.

So we encourage you to go out with their friends, enjoy good food and coffee and listen to some great music.