As restrictions start to ease for hospitality venues and outdoor entertainment, concert tour dates are starting to flow back in for the Illawarra .
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On Monday, organisers of the SummerSalt festival announced it will head to North Wollongong's Stuart Park for a second year on Saturday March 27.
The beach-side music event will bring with it The Teskey Brothers, John Butler, Montaigne, Boy and Bear, Cat Empire and Emily Wurramara.
"By the time we step on to the SummerSalt stage, it will have been 12 months since we have been on tour," said Felix Riebel of the Cat Empire.
"You cannot imagine how excited we are to play live again with this brilliant line-up of artists."
It comes as NSW has begun to ease restrictions for outdoor music performances, allowing 500 people to attend as of October 16, up from just 20.
While cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs also had an increase in patron capacity for outdoor dining as of the same date.
The region's peak tourism body, Destination Wollongong, said the recent changes were good news for the entertainment and tourism industries.
"Performers can garner income and patrons can enjoy live music," said DW major events manager Jeremy Wilshire.
"We've seen how operators can adjust effectively with Hockey Dad's drive-in performances last weekend, and Thirroul Music Festival's revised format across three venues next month.
"The demand is certainly there - it's a matter of planning and adjusting, of being both innovative and responsible."
The SummerSalt festival will also play to crowds at Bella Vista Farm in Sydney (with a slight lineup change) on March 28.
Tickets go on sale Thursday October 29, from www.ticketmaster.com.au