The event, scheduled for February 24 to 28, will be headlined by two prominent Australian artists: blues singer-songwriter C.W. Stoneking and soul/jazz extraordinaire Kate Ceberano.

Also included on the bill is Indigenous Australian artist Mo'Ju, soulful guitar-driven duo Hussy Hicks and danceable electronic/dub/reggae sextet Sub-Tribe, who performed at this year's festival.

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The line up will also be bolstered by local favourites Smith & Jones, Andy Nelson, The Mirandas and The Safety of Life at Sea.

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre [BMEC] manager Stephen Champion said the event will be staged as seated, COVID-safe events, and hearken back to the event's genesis, which made use of people's backyards as performance spaces.

"We have three unique locations in store for the festival: BMEC's City Hall [February 24] and Theatre [February 26 and 28], as well as the car park behind the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and the old TAFE building [February 25 and 27]," Mr Champion said.

"By February, we should be able to operate all three locations at 75 per cent capacity for a seated audience, meaning the City Hall, Theatre and Fossil Museum car park will cater for an audience of 290, 480 and 400 respectively."

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The event will also feature Australian children's music group The Beanies on the Sunday as a free show for families.

Mr Champion said a free film screening is also being planned in collaboration with the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, as is a Wiradyuri welcome, which may take the form of an outdoor projection showcase.

"We'll also have LEAP artists performing at local venues as per usual," he said.

"In many ways, it's an old-meets-new aesthetic for the festival, and we're thankful for council's continued support of the event."

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The event will take place during the same week as the Mount Panorama 500, scheduled for February 26 to 28 as the Supercars season opener.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the festival will serve as a vital shot in the arm after a tough 2020 for the entertainment sector.

"It'll be a boost for our region culturally and economically, and it gives people an opportunity to appreciate a range of local and national talents within the CBD," Cr Bourke said.

Tickets will be on sale on Monday, December 21 from midday, and ticketholders will have the opportunity to preorder a picnic box to enjoy at the City Hall and car park stages.

[visiting artists in bold]