Tag: festival

Gold Coast local Casey Barnes takes out the P&O People’s Choice Award for the second time

Posted on by Kesha West

Over 135 live shows from close to 60 artists lit up Broadbeach as Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) celebrated ten years of country music on the Gold Coast. The award-winning festival saw tens of thousands of music fans coming together to watch their favourite artists and share a love of country music. One performance, by one standout artist was voted by fans as best in show!

 On the 2023 lineup were some of the Australia’s best and most loved country acts plus some incredible international guests but it was local sensation Casey Barnes, who was announced as the winner of the 2023 P&O People’s Choice Award. Ironically, Casey got his first big break playing at Groundwater CMF (formerly Broadbeach Country Music Festival) in 2014.

This is the second time Casey Barnes has won the hearts of fans at Groundwater CMF having been the recipient of the inaugural P&O People’s Choice Award in 2019.

His performance, personality and passion ignited the Surf Parade Stage last Friday night captivating the crowd of thousands, that included his own family.

“I am absolutely blown away to take out this year’s P&O People’s Choice Award at Groundwater CMF!” said Casey Barnes. “We were only saying yesterday that Friday night’s show easily will go down as one of my absolute favourites of my career to date… it was such a special night. There’s nothing better than a hometown crowd and it was even more special to have my entire family there too. A huge thank you to all the fans who voted and have supported this amazing festival over the last 10 years and a massive congrats to Mark Duckworth and the entire team on another incredible event!”

Groundwater CMF, along with the festival’s Support Partner P&O Cruises, invited festival goers to show their love and appreciation by voting for their favourite artist across the three-day festival. With an epic lineup including Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers, USA sensation Jackson Dean and of course Gold Coast local Casey Barnes it was always going to be a tight race to the finish line.

“The P&O People’s Choice Award has become a popular part of the Groundwater CMF experience, with thousands of entries coming in throughout the festival,” said Mark Duckworth, Festival Director. Casey has been a festival favourite for some time, so it doesn’t surprise me that he has taken out this fan-nominated award for the second time. Casey’s headline show this year was a lot of fun, drawing huge crowds and the band were on fire!”

2023 has been a continuation of wins for Casey Barnes, having picked up Golden Guitar Award wins for Album of the Year and Top Selling Album of the Year for his latest album, Light It Up along with the APRA Award for Most Performed Country Work and the 2022 ARIA Award for Best Country Album. Now with a second P&O People’s Choice Award under his belt there seems to be no stopping this local sensation who is now also making major inroads in the US.

Casey is not the only winner, one very lucky voter has won a holiday for two onboard P&O Cruises’ Country Music Cruise, departing from Brisbane on 30 November 2024.

“We are delighted to have once again joined forces with Groundwater Country Music Festival to celebrate Australia’s remarkable country music talent,” said Ryan Taibel, Vice President Sales & Partnerships of P&O Cruises Australia. “While all performances throughout the festival were incredible, Casey Barnes sung just the right tune, winning fans’ hearts, and votes. From the entire P&O Cruises team, thank you for all who voted and congratulations Casey on receiving this year’s People’s Choice Award.”  

Groundwater CMF returns to the Gold Coast from 18-20 October 2024 ready to bring music lovers yet another huge three days of the best of Australian country music and no doubt some more incredible international acts.

Groundwater CMF shares it success with its 2023 Sponsor Family – City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, P&O Cruises, Gold Coast Airport, Clean Vibes, EVENTelec, KIX Country, 102.9 Hot Tomato, the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) 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.

Groundwater Country Music Festival stamps a decade of success

Posted on by Kesha West

With 1300 songs, 135 live shows and close to 60 homegrown and international artists across 15 stages, Groundwater Country Music Festival 2023 was a party to remember.

Tens of thousands of music fans flocked to the Gold Coast to help with the ten-year celebrations. The crowds and atmosphere over the past three days reflecting Australia’s growing love affair with country music. It’s not surprising considering Australia has one of the biggest fan bases in the world.

Australian country music royalty Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers and Gold Coast local Casey Barnes were among a stacked lineup that also featured the next wave of Australian Country artists.

“Ten years ago, we went out on a limb and put on a country music festival on the Gold Coast. Since then, country music has exploded into one of the most popular music genres in Australia and it is exciting to see our festival heaving with new and loyal fans.” – Mark Duckworth, Festival Director.

From Paul Thorn in 2013 to US sensation Jackson Dean in 2023, having an international flavour to the festival’s program over the past ten years has helped cement Groundwater CMF within the Australian country music scene.

“I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity to go play in Australia. It’s awesome that as far south as south goes, English speaking, there’s a crowd that knows some words to my songs. It’s a dream come true to play on the beautiful Gold Coast at Groundwater Country Music Festival.” – Jackson Dean, artist.

USA Country Music legends Asleep at the Wheel and Canada’s Dungarees also bolstered the international program with acclaimed singer-songwriters Melissa Carper and Summer Dean.

Since the festival’s inception, it has welcomed close to 400 country acts and has been a springboard for emerging artists.

“I have watched this festival grow over the five years I have been there and there’s no doubt Groundwater CMF is one of the best country music festivals in Australia. It’s a real honour to be on this lineup because there are such amazing Australian artists like Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and incredible international artists, like Jackson Dean, so to have that high calibre of artists on the Gold Coast playing at a free country music festival is amazing.” – Chloe Styler, artist.

Groundwater CMF first timer Sara Berki had to ‘pinch’ herself during the KIX LIVE – Songwriters segment. Perched on stage in between Jackson Dean and Amber Lawrence while watching the performances of idol Adam Harvey it was a moment she’ll never forget.

“I literally cannot believe I am already in the company of my idols. Groundwater is making my dreams a reality.” – Sara Berki, artist

It wasn’t just music lovers that benefited, local businesses were also heaving. As the popularity of the country music genre and the love for Groundwater CMF continues to surge, it will be exciting to see what evolves in the next ten years.

Groundwater CMF wraps after another successful year with thanks to our Sponsor Family – City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, P&O Cruises, Gold Coast Airport, Clean Vibes, EVENTelec, KIX Country, 102.9 Hot Tomato, the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) 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.

Groundwater Country Music Festival announces program for 10th anniversary

Posted on by Kesha West

Get ready for the biggest Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) yet celebrating 10 years of country music on the Gold Coast.

From 20-22 October, music fans will gather at one of the country’s most popular beachside destinations to enjoy an epic lineup featuring more than 50 artists across 15 stages and venues.

With over 20 additional artists joining the already stacked lineup, as well as three new venues, don’t miss this opportunity to experience this star-studded celebration of the best in country music.

“The Gold Coast has been a proud host of this award-winning country music festival for the past decade and every year it delivers an exceptional line up of talent and a unique experience,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“Make room for tens of thousands of country music fans dusting off their Akubras and hitting Broadbeach to dance the day – and nights – away. The best news is it’s free so see you there as we come together to celebrate everything that’s great about the Goldie.”

The full program can be accessed via the official Groundwater CMF app, or via the website.

The festival kicks off on Friday with headliner Casey Barnes returning to Groundwater CMF. Following a knockout year in 2022 where he won the ARIA Award for Best Country Album, Casey kicked off 2023 by winning two Golden Guitars for his album ‘Light it Up’. Earlier this month he was also nominated for a prestigious Country Music International Award.

Also taking the stage on Friday, the not-to-be-missed debut of Rhinestoned, the new country trio formed by multi-award-winning Australian country music legend Kirsty Lee Akers.

Saturday will be packed with international stars who are sure to transport audiences right to the heart of the American south. On The Surf Parade Stage, rising US star 22-year-old Jackson Dean, who has been making waves in the international country scene, will undoubtedly have country lovers mesmerised by his soulful voice and gritty songs. Playing at The Kurrawa Big Top, the 10-time Grammy Award-winning US supergroup Asleep at the Wheel will be making their long-awaited Australian debut after 50 years of touring the world. The legendary band features stalwart member and founder Ray Benson and original member and longtime Australian resident Lucky Oceans plus current stars of the Americana genre, Joshua Hedley and Brennen Leigh.

Saturday will also see Tassie legends The Wolfe Brothers take to the stage. The band’s electrifying performances have earned them six Golden Guitar awards and the coveted P&O Cruises People’s Choice Awards at Groundwater CMF 2021. Groundwater CMF also welcomes Australian country music legends Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, who will be performing their hugely popular Great Country Songbook show.

A fresh highlight of the program this year is the introduction of the KIX Live at Groundwater ‘Songwriters’ taking place at The Kurrawa Big Top on Saturday, featuring prominent artists from the lineup. With more details to come, country music aficionados will want to check out this exciting new offering to the 2023 experience.

Sunday provides a spectacular finale, as we welcome the King and Queen of Country Lee Kernaghan and Amber Lawrence to The Surf Parade stage. Favourites at Groundwater CMF, both artists boast incredible decade-spanning careers, and their shows will perfectly round out the three fun-filled days of great music and celebration.

There’s plenty more than music on offer with the return of Groundwater CMF’s Country Fair and markets held across the three days. The whole family can find something they’ll love.

Festival goers can try their luck at the Cornhole Arena or take a ride on The Big Slide (parents welcome too!) and help support Aussie farmers and their communities by donating to Drought Angels.

Groundwater CMF is proud to welcome back Drought Angels as the festival’s Official Charity Partner in 2023. Festival fans can show their support by making a donation when they ride, at the festival merchandise point of sale, or on the dedicated Groundwater CMF and Drought Angels webpage.

There is no reason to miss any of the great music or entertainment on offer in 2023 with the official festival app available to download and plan your Groundwater CMF experience. Attendees can easily find all the information they need about the artists, stages, venues, live updates and more.

With 10 years of country music to celebrate, Groundwater CMF is set to be one heck of a party. Music lovers will want to make sure they’re free for the three-day spectacular of country music on the Gold Coast. With an unbeatable location and an unmissable lineup, Groundwater CMF continues to prove why it’s one of the Australia’s most popular country music festivals.

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.

Tens of thousands bring in spring with live music and good times

Posted on by Kesha West

Amazing live sets from BENEE, Matt Corby, Bag Raiders and more, a beachside skate park, murals and art installations, coupled with three days of perfect weather helped prove why SPRINGTIME is becoming one of the country’s favourite beachside festivals.

Not a single patch of sand was left empty on Surfers Paradise beach this weekend, as thousands danced and sang along to some of Australia’s best homegrown and international music acts in perfect spring weather at the Gold Coast’s SPRINGTIME festival.

Proving why spring will never be the same again, the three-day festival saw a sea of people spend the long weekend swimming in crystal blue water, sunbathing and immersing themselves in all the good times and good fun on offer at SPRINGTIME. The epic lineup across the Beach Stage and the Dr. Martens Street Stage featured more than 30 of the country’s best homegrown artists.

After tens of thousands attended SPRINGTIME last year, the addition of international superstar BENEE in 2023 plus a brand new commissioned art installation, the Vans Skate Plaza, and a DJ Skool at the Paradise Centre saw an even bigger wave of music fans flock to the festival this year.

As Australian dance royalty Bag Raiders took the stage on Friday night, it was clear that the crowds had returned – this time with friends – turning Surfers Paradise into a real vibe for music tourists from around Australia. Saturday night crowds, which spread as far as the eye could see, welcomed international popstar BENEE with open arms, while on Sunday Australia’s very own Matt Corby served as the perfect conclusion to this spring party to remember, with his unique blend of blissed out indie surf-pop.

“This being a free concert is just next level, I love that, we need to be doing this more often,” said NZ artist BENEE. I love Australia, it’s close to home and this feels like a little holiday.”

Partnering again with the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) SPRINGTIME continued to live up to its promise of supporting and highlighting local talent. This year’s festival kicked off with an after party celebrating the music community and emerging Gold Coast artists.

GCMAs People’s Choice winner Lyric then took centre stage as she opened SPRINGTIME’s Beach Stage on Friday. What followed was a smorgasbord of incredible Aussie talent across the long weekend with uplifting acts from the likes of Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, Sycco, Girl and Girl and the Gold Coast’s bella amor.

“I’m just so stoked that this festival is here, and I am so grateful to play here,” said Gold Coast artist bella amor. “It is really cool for people to have an opportunity to hear what talent we have around here. It is great for the Goldie people too, because they can come and have a good time.”

Complementing the live music element of the program, live art mural painting added a kaleidoscope of colour to the city’s streets thanks to the candy-coloured aesthetic of renowned Korean-Australian artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE and Yuggera – Minjungbal – Nyangbul – Ugarapul land duo Malara Rise, who’s alluring mural framing the ocean paid homage to their ancestory.

Punters of all ages looking to engage with art and test their skills weren’t left out, as the creative minds at Shock Therapy Arts definitely brought it, with their commissioned installation Quest of Chaos causing, you guessed it, chaos. All weekend, participants climbed, scrambled and tumbled through the giant obstacle course on Surfers Paradise beach as they attempted to defeat King Chaos and his gang of interdimensional troublemakers. A totally unique interactive experience only found at SPRINGTIME.

“This has been a great festival, we’ve had perfect weather and it’s been a pleasure to watch the beach filling up with fans coming to see their favourite artists,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth. “Second year in, we’re really seeing this festival grow and we’re excited about what SPRINGTIME is going to do for the city into the future.”

The Vans Skate Plaza was a festival highlight with some of Australia’s top skateboarders showing off their world-class runs and tricks to crowds of fans lining the street. Local skaters were invited to drop in alongside the Vans Skate Team.

With Surfers Paradise buzzing with crowds, local businesses, restaurants and bars enjoyed bumper trade proving the importance of major events for the Gold Coast community.

“It has been super busy which is great,” said Nim Pavia from Gelato Messina in Surfers Paradise. “We are located at the Paradise Centre, and it (the stage) is like seven steps to us so we can hear the music and people come in and out and enjoy the beach, enjoy the music and they come and get a gelato.”

Produced by Major Events Gold Coast, SPRINGTIME wraps after another successful year with thanks to our Sponsor Family – City of Gold Coast, Dr. Martens, triple j, Gold Coast Airport, Paradise Centre, Vans, Clean Vibes, EVENTelec, Radio Metro and the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance.

Good times are guaranteed again in 2024 with the return of SPRINGTIME confirmed for 6 – 8 September, 2024!

SPRINGTIME welcomes 2023 Sponsor Family

Posted on by Kesha West

As SPRINGTIME gets set to bloom for another year, the Gold Coast festival that’s all about good music and good times is welcoming some big names to its Sponsor Family for 2023.

Get ready for three days of dancing as some of the country’s favourite homegrown and local talent spin tunes on the Dr. Martens Street Stage.

The iconic footwear brand joins the Sponsor Family as a Major Partner of SPRINGTIME 2023 and the Official Festival Sandal.

Express yourself with sand between your toes and enjoy a long weekend of sun-kissed free live music on the beach in Surfers Paradise.

SPRINGTIME’s popular skate plaza is back for a second year, turning Surfers Paradise into skaters’ paradise! The Vans Skate Plaza will guarantee good times for all on the beachside with members of the Vans Skate Team joining the 2023 festival program for the first time. SPRINGTIME welcomes Vans as a Support Partner this year alongside the precinct’s major shopping complex, the Paradise Centre.

From 12pm daily, the Paradise Centre will be hosting free DJ workshops giving aspiring DJs of all ages the chance to try their hand at spinning the decks guided by DJ Fletcher. The SPRINGTIME team also welcomes back Gold Coast Airport as a Support Partner in 2023. Festival fans will be greeted by in-terminal tunes as they move through the domestic arrivals terminal getting the festival vibe started from the moment they land.

Held on one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic beachside destinations, SPRINGTIME is produced by Major Events Gold Coast and would not be possible without the ongoing support from its Strategic Partner, the City of Gold Coast.

The festival welcomes back triple j as Presenting Partner in 2023 – triple j and SPRINGTIME are a perfect fit, both dedicated to championing homegrown music talent. The SPRINGTIME team is pleased to have the support of Community Partners Clean Vibes, EVENTelec and youth community radio station, 105.7 Radio Metro.

“We are pumped to have so many established and iconic brands keen to join us on SPRINGTIME,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth. “For a new festival, it’s a great testament to the hard work the SPRINGTIME team has put in to make an event that artists want to play at, music fans want to come to, and brands want to partner with us to deliver.”

SPRINGTIME is also proud to work alongside Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) who provide cultural guidance across all Major Events Gold Coast’s festivals. Together, we proudly acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our events are held, the Kombumerri and Yugambeh Language group families of the Gold Coast.

Get ready for three days of epic live music and good times in the heart of Surfers Paradise from 1-3 September.

The Gold Coast soars into spring

Posted on by Kesha West

Whether it’s aircraft, live music, art, or even lawn bowls that you’re into, there’s no better time to escape the final weeks of winter and book a weekend on the Gold Coast.

With spring in the air and blue skies on the horizon, expect an aerial spectacular like no other when the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast takes to the sky over Surfers Paradise.

The three-day event from 18 August features heart-pumping aerobatics and formation flying from the world’s best military aviators and civilian performers.

Two weekends later, the Surfers Paradise beachfront will be transformed into a free music festival as SPRINGTIME blooms for a second year. With more than 30 live music acts across two stages, the VANS Skate Plaza, mural artists and a huge interactive performance installation on the beach, expect guaranteed good times from 1 September all weekend.

In a change of tempo but with no less action, the world’s best bowlers and para-bowlers will descend on the Gold Coast from 29 August for the 2023 World Bowls Championships, with competitors from 44 nations.

“There is no better time to visit the Gold Coast,” said Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick. “The sheer variety of events this city is hosting over the next month is extraordinary and it’s the reason why our reputation as the ultimate events destination continues to grow. After years of planning, we are thrilled to see the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast lift off.”

“What sets our event apart from your ‘typical airshow’ is its unique setting, high tempo and diverse hospitality offerings,” said Pacific Airshow Gold Coast founder Kevin Elliott. “We offer something for everyone, including those who have never considered attending an airshow before. There’s always something to see, always something in your face, always something new happening. It’s something you have to experience to understand.”

From 29 August to 10 September the city hosts the World Bowls Championships for the first time. The sport’s pinnacle international competition will be held across five Gold Coast bowls locations, with finals held at Club Helensvale on 2-3 September and Broadbeach Bowls Club on 9-10 September.

“We are thrilled to have secured this prestigious tournament for the Gold Coast, and the World Bowls Champion of Champions directly after it from 11- 16 September,” said Ms McCormick. “With over 540 competitors and coaches from 44 nations descending on the Gold Coast, this year’s event will be the biggest tournament in the event’s history, and we are expecting some close matches and world-class competition.”

“The Gold Coast is a heartland for the sport of bowls, and its clubs and greens are renowned the world over, so anticipation and expectation from the bowls community and competing nations for the 2023 World Bowls Championships is absolutely sky high – akin to what will be on display at the inaugural Pacific Airshow,” said Bowls Australia General Manager – Promotion and Partnerships Aidan Davis.

“This is the first occasion that para-sport players will compete alongside able-bodied bowlers, showcasing the truly inclusive nature of the sport, and with 11 gold medals up for grabs across two blockbuster finals weekends, home crowds will be hoping the Gold Coast greens are a happy hunting ground for the world’s number one bowls team, the Right at Home Australian Jackaroos.”

The Gold Coast will officially bring in spring on 1 September with the return of Major Events Gold Coast’s newest free music festival, SPRINGTIME. The three-day festival on Surfers Paradise beach will continue to shine a spotlight on Australian artists, and highlight local music, arts and the skate scene while celebrating the best parts of the country’s most popular beachside destination.

The 2023 lineup features homegrown favourites like Matt Corby, Bag Raiders and Boo Seeka with acclaimed international artist BENEE.

“We want this festival to present some of the best Australian contemporary artists as well as to celebrate and support the musical talent right here on the iconic Surfers Paradise beach,” said Major Events Gold Coast Director of Festivals and Events Mark Duckworth.

“In 2023 we’re stoked to welcome the incredible BENEE from New Zealand, Matt Corby and many more to the three-day lineup, plus we’ll have live mural artists, a pop-up skate plaza, DJ workshops and a massive interactive art installation inspired by retro arcade games. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

The festival kicks off on 1 September the day after the Gold Coast Music Awards which are proudly supported again this year by SPRINGTIME.

Groundwater Country Music Festival announces explosive second lineup

Posted on by Kesha West

Just when you thought Groundwater Country Music Festival’s (CMF) 10th anniversary lineup couldn’t get any better, the award-winning Gold Coast festival has added even more big names to the bill.

The three-day free festival returns to Broadbeach from 20-22 October welcoming some of Australia’s finest country music acts plus some huge international guests.

After announcing a stacked first lineup including the undisputed ‘King of Country’ Lee Kernaghan, Maryland USA’s rising star Jackson Dean, Casey Barnes and Amber Lawrence, the second announcement heralds even more great talent including The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Tori Forsyth, Melissa Carper and many more.

“We are determined to put on a party that our Groundwater CMF fans won’t ever forget as we celebrate 10 years of country music on the Gold Coast,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth.

“Not only will we be bringing back some of our festival favourites from over the years but also seeing some new faces on our Broadbeach stages. This lineup represents the best of the best in Australian country music, plus some incredible overseas acts you won’t want to miss.”

One of the highlights of the second lineup announcement is The Wolfe Brothers, the multi award-winning country rock duo from Tasmania. The Wolfe Brothers have been making waves in the Australian music scene for the past decade.

“Groundwater CMF is always one of the highlights of our touring year,” said Tom Wolfe. “The crowd, the location and the vibe never disappoint. We can’t wait to catch up with everyone at the legendary Groundwater Country Music Festival. See you there!”

Another exciting addition to the lineup is the dynamic duo of Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, who will be performing songs from their latest album ‘The Great Country Songbook Volume III’. Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole are both Australian country music royalty, with multiple Golden Guitar awards, chart-topping albums and loyal fan bases between them. Having both wowed audiences with solo performances at Groundwater CMF over the years, Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole will be performing together this October.

Country music lovers won’t want to miss these three exciting US artists who are coming to Australia for the first time. Melissa Carper is a singer and stand-up bass player who sounds like she came straight from a vintage record. The Pink Stones hail from Athens, Georgia, pioneering the sounds of cosmic country. Last but never least, the charming and talented Summer Dean is a former school teacher from Texas who turned into a honky-tonk troubadour.

The 2023 line up has another surprise in store for all country music lovers – a debut performance and fresh new collaboration from one of Australian country music’s most unique and recognisable voices Kirsty Lee Akers.  Kirsty Lee is joined by her music-loving husband Jesse Anderson and showstopping lead guitarist Dan Ebbles and together they have formed Rhinestoned.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience some of Australia’s best country music and internationals, in one of the most beautiful and vibrant beachside destinations in Australia. Mark your calendars for 20-22 October 2023!
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.

New festival partnership a win for combating waste

Posted on by Kesha West

More than 70% percent of all waste generated at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach on the Gold Coast was diverted from landfill thanks to a successful new partnership with waste management provider Clean Vibes.

Just over 37m3 of rubbish was diverted from landfill for recycling and reuse purposes, which equated to 71% of all waste generated from the festival. On top of this, more than 17,000 cans and bottles were recycled through the Containers for Change refund scheme.

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said the results were very encouraging.

“To be able to divert from landfill more than 70% of the waste generated during our Blues on Broadbeach festival is a great win for the environment and we’re confident we can keep on improving our waste management practices across all MEGC’s festivals,” said Ms McCormick.

In March, Clean Vibes become the Official Cleaning and Waste Management Services Provider for all four of MEGC’s festivals in 2023, including Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks On and the upcoming SPRINGTIME and Groundwater Country Music Festival.

Some of the initiatives that have been introduced at MEGC’s festivals are waste sorting onsite and implementing the can and bottle return scheme. Clean Vibes also use waste stream bin covers to promote and educate festival patrons about waste separation, and the recent results show festival fans are getting on board to help do their bit to reduce waste.

There was so much organic waste collected and sorted onsite that the crew had to take over general waste bins for organic waste.

Clean Vibes National Operations Manager Nick Viner said the Blues on Broadbeach results were a great outcome for an unfenced free music festival layout.

“Blues on Broadbeach for 2023 was a huge success on the sustainability front with Clean Vibes working very closely with all stakeholders onsite to ensure that we could get the best results possible!” said Mr Viner. “With all vendors and bars onsite implementing compostable packaging, our team on ground could guarantee that all compostable products onsite were verified and approved for disposal through our onsite organic waste streams.”

Implementing the Containers for Change recycling scheme at the festival proved to be another win.

“Just over 17,000 eligible cans and bottles were processed for the Containers for Change program on top of our 71% of recycled or repurposed material,” Mr Viner said.

Due to this year’s Blues on Broadbeach results, next year Clean Vibes will look to order a 25m skip bin for organic waste, something that has never been done at one of MEGC’s festivals before.

The waste results were equally promising from MEGC’s Cooly Rocks On festival held in Coolangatta in June. The Clean Vibes report showed over 20% more waste was diverted from landfill in 2023 compared to 2022.

“As our festivals grow in popularity, we are faced with additional waste challenges,” said Ms McCormick. “We want to make sure we continue to give our fans the best possible festival experience and that means ensuring we are continually improving our practices when it comes to sustainable waste management. We also want to make sure our festivals don’t have a negative environmental impact on the beautiful locations we deliver them in.”

Major Events on the Gold Coast delivered direct to you