Gateway Festival: Founders share what it takes to make the magic happen and what’s coming this year

What does it really take to bring a music festival to life? In this interview, Gateway Festival directors Matt, Charlotte, and Mitch pull back the curtain on the passion, planning, and persistence behind one of the most exciting new festivals on the Melbourne scene.From humble club nights to a full-scale festival, the trio shares how they turned a dream into a destination, and the lessons they learned along the way. They reveal how Gateway was born from a desire to create the kind of experience they always wished existed, one that fuses art, music, and community into something truly unforgettable.Discover how they chose the stunning Heide Museum and Sculpture Park as the festival’s home, curated a diverse lineup that celebrates discovery, and built an atmosphere that lingers long after the last set. Whether you’re a festival lover, creative, or aspiring event planner, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to create an experience that leaves a lasting mark.As part of Area 3000's community, you can access discounted tickets to Gateway Festival using this link: Gateway Festival 2025 at Heide Museum of Modern Art Sculpture Park, Melbourne · Tickets.