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The year 2022 saw Australia’s international border open and the return of some big-name acts including The Killers, Dua Lipa and Kendrick Lamar. But 2023 is shaping as an even bigger year for live music and events. Here are our pics for the ones not to miss.

1. Perth Festival: Bjork

To celebrate the 70th year of the Perth Festival, organisers announced one of the biggest stars in the world, Bjork, will be part of the 2023 line-up. Returning to Perth for the first time in 15 years, the Icelandic supernova will bring her live concert experience, Cornucopia, to Langley Park in March. Tickets are still available for her performance.

2. Concerts: Harry Styles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Luke Combs, Ed Sheeran

Recently, Perth music lovers have welcomed the return of international acts but there are even bigger names set to rock the city in 2023. From Harry Styles (HBF Park, February 20) to Ed Sheeran (March 12, Optus Stadium) and Red Hot Chili Peppers (February 12, Optus Stadium) to Rod Stewart (March 11, RAC Arena), we won’t be short of a musician in town. Some concerts are already sold out including one of Lorde’s shows at Belvoir Amphitheatre in March as well as country sensation Luke Combs, who will perform at RAC Arena in August.

3. NRL is back in WA

Although WA is an AFL state, the NRL has announced its return to Perth. Four NRL teams will arrive here in August for a special doubleheader. Optus Stadium is set for a massive day of rugby league, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs facing Cronulla Sharks, and the Newcastle Knights taking on Redcliffe Dolphins.

4. The Bleeding Tree — Black Swan

After a massive year of theatre, Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA will premiere several new shows in 2023. The Bleeding Tree was first produced by Griffin Theatre Company in 2015. The production is a gripping revenge thriller that’s swept up almost every award in its path, including four Performing Arts WA Awards (2022), six Blue Room Theatre Awards (2021), three Helpmann Awards (2016) and the 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Award. The new show has been reborn with a case of First Nations women breathing new life into the play.

5. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

It’s one of the most highly anticipated musicals to hit Perth, and next February, Perth theatre lovers will finally get the chance to see Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed film, the musical stars some familiar faces including actor Simon Burke and musician Tim Omaji aka Timomatic. Tickets are on sale and selling out fast.