Beginning seven years ago, the Inland Sea of Sound has drastically grown from an event that attracted only a couple of hundred people at performances in backyards to attracting thousands at the top of Mount Panorama.

Event curator Stephen Champion says he is hopeful 2500 to 3000 tickets can be sold before the festival kicks off on November 30. 

“We’re around the 400 mark for tickets now, but we’ve got a long way to go,” he said.

“We’re hoping to sell between 2500 to 3000 tickets before it starts.” 

Cat Empire and Deborah Conway are two of the main attractions at this year’s festival.

But while the famous names will get their chance to perform, plenty of talented musicians from across Bathurst and the Central West will take to the stage.

“We’ve got top local band Safety of Life at Sea performing, as well as local favourites Smith and Jones,” Mr Champion said. 

“Even the likes of Chloe and Jason Roweth. They’re two of the top folk singers in Australia, but they’re based in Bathurst.

“Gabbi Bolt is one of our local rising stars and even Andy Nelson is another wonderful, local folk singer and writer.

“It’s really important that all the artists we’re supporting are producing music.” 

Mr Champion described how the event has needed to evolve to keep up with the event’s growth. 

“We started small and started with concerts here at the [Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre] and in backyards. People really loved that and the concerts had fantastic atmosphere, a really magically one,” he said.

“We only had a maximum of 100 to 150 people. We knew that wasn’t viable in the long-term future. 

“The concerts in backyard and BMEC, it seemed liked a series of concerts rather than a festival. For the event’s survival, we believed it needed to be more of a music festival, all on the one site. 

“That’s why we’ve moved to Wahluu-Mount Panorama. It’s so flat up there and there’s also so much infrastructure and history.” 

Three years ago, in 2015, the Inland Sea of Sound was held outside of its traditional BMEC and backyard home, with the Bathurst Goldfields the host.

It has since been held at Mount Panorama for the past two years. 

“It’s such an ideal location,” Mr Champion said. 

To purchase tickets visit www.inlandseaofsound.com.au.