The line up for Down South Fest has been released led by Bad//Dreems and C.O.F.F.I.N

In 2022, the festival ran with only Victorian acts, headlined by punk band Amyl and the Sniffers before they supported The Foo Fighters in Geelong and played internationally.

In 2023, the bill includes bands from New South Wales, Adelaide and Melbourne, while also supporting local bands from Koroit, Mortlake, Warrnambool, Port Campbell, Timboon and Geelong.

It will run at The Star of the West Hotel on February 25.

Leading the line-up are Adelaide band Bad//Dreems and C.O.F.F.I.N from NSW, two punk-rock bands who ensure they tour to regional areas and isolated communities.

Down South Fest director Max Donohue said Bad//Dreems were a band that south-west music fans requested do a show in the region.

"Bad//Dreems have toured down here before, they've played in Koroit so they've got a pretty big audience," he said.

"Their last show sold out in Koroit and people love them down here."

They are joined by Melbourne acts CIV1C, Future Suck, So.Crates, Blowers and Queenie and her Band, an eclectic mix of punk, hardcore, hip-hop, soul and alternative country.

Mr Donohue said the local acts make up between 30 to 40 per cent of the current line-up.

He said despite having a big headliner this year, he was keen to keep the festival small and take it one step at a time.

"You've got to prove that people will want to see this sort of rock and roll, punk and alternative music," he said.

The festival director said without the COVID-19 restrictions that limited how the inaugural festival ran there could be the possibility of expansion at the venue.

"There was a big possibility to just do outside bars this year, but for next year we'll be able to have a few more bars going on inside and a lot more room inside the pub."

Mr Donohue said he also hoped to incorporate something for the shop to run as an all ages gig.

"My next step is to get the younger audience on board that don't have much of an opportunity to see live music in regional areas," he said.

Tickets are available to purchase here.

See the current line-up below:

Bad//Dreems, CIVIC, C.O.F.F.I.N, Future Suck, So.Crates, Queenie and her Band, Blowers, Eyeroll, Grond, Bluestone River Band, Convict Class, Lisztomania and Whipwerm.

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