Sunny skies greeted tens of thousands of fans for the ninth annual Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) held on the Gold Coast from 28 – 30 October 2022.
Produced by Major Events Gold Coast, the Groundwater CMF party continued all weekend as 50 of the biggest national and international country music stars performed in the parks, streets and venues of Broadbeach delighting fans from near and far with three epic days of free world-class country music by the beachside.
The return of interstate and overseas visitors was notable, and humbling, with fans and artists coming together for the first time in many years in what became a big-hearted reunion.
“Being from Canada, I’ve really been missing the country music scene so when I heard there was a country music festival on the Gold Coast AND right next to the beach I just had to come,” said one Canadian festival goer. “Now I am a devotee; I’ve never been to a festival like this.”
Groundwater CMF headliner and Canadian, Dan Davidson said, “There is nothing in the world like Groundwater CMF, we arrived on the first day, walked around and it took our breath away – the Gold Coast is absolutely amazing! There is a friendliness of spirit everywhere that has been reflective of the country music vibe that brings people together.”
“To make it even better, every single person that is part of the festival has treated us like gold…it’s been a 10 out of 10 experience and I’m so stoked to be here representing Canada and making new friends.”
The party vibe was reflected in the styles of the hottest emerging country artists: Dozzi, Max Jackson, Abbie Ferris, Kaylee Bell and Bella Mackenzie who ensured this genre of music will continue to grow and reach a wider modern audience.
Surprises were in abundance over the weekend, with many of this years’ lineup jumping on stage to support each other and collaborate, to the audiences’ delight.
Speaking of support, the Groundwater CMF family really do know how to help a mate in need, with many digging deep to provide much needed funds to Drought Angels, the Official Charity Partner of Groundwater CMF. Their donations supporting farmers in need all over Australia.
“There has been a really great vibe at this year’s festival,” said Major Events Gold Coast Director of Festivals and Events Mark Duckworth. “The country music community really know how to dig in and have a good time with each other.
“What’s made this year so special has been being able to reconnect people after a couple of tough years. Many of our fans, and artists, both abroad and across the country haven’t been able to get to Groundwater CMF with the borders closed, so being here and being together again means a lot.”
Soaking up the sunshine and having an amazing time in this slice of paradise was foremost on the minds of Melbourne band Sweet Talk who said: “This is our first time at Groundwater CMF and the vibe is electric. It’s quite incredible that visitors (and us as the musos!) get to listen to the hottest music AND pop for a swim in the ocean in between. There is nowhere else like it.”
Just some of the big names who performed at this year’s festival were SEAFORTH, ANDREW FARRISS, GINA JEFFRIES, KAYLEE BELL(NZ), TRAVIS COLLINS, TAMI NEILSON (NZ), and FANNY LUMSDEN.
“What a great weekend!” said festival favourite Fanny Lumsden. “Groundwater CMF was such a joy to play, to see thousands of people from all over literally dancing in the street again and all the artists come together in the sun, kind of made everything make sense.”
Groundwater CMF has cemented such a firm place in the hearts of thousands, that long-time country artist sensation, Hayley Jensen was borrowed from the festival to sing the national anthem at the main race of the Major Events Gold Coast supported Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 up the road in Surfers Paradise.
Groundwater CMF wraps after an incredibly successful 2022 with thanks to our sponsor family this year: City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, P&O Cruises Australia, Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA), 1029 Hot Tomato, KIX Country, and our Charity Partner Drought Angels.
Groundwater CMF is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
