Tag: music

The Gold Coast gets ready to welcome music icon Paul McCartney

Posted on by Kesha West

On Saturday 4 November, iconic singer-songwriter and performer Paul McCartney will perform for the first time on the Gold Coast, and the city is more than ready to welcome the music legend.

Paul McCartney’s performance at Heritage Bank Stadium will be the final show on the Australian leg of his acclaimed ‘Got Back’ Tour, with the stadium preparing for tens of thousands of fans to descend on Carrara to enjoy this not-to-be-missed show.

The stadium’s General Manager Tim Carey said the event would be another international blockbuster for the Gold Coast community to enjoy.

“At Heritage Bank Stadium we pride ourselves on being able to deliver world-class events right here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Carey said.“Our city has now become a premier location for touring artists to visit and we are excited to welcome Paul McCartney to our ever-growing list of international acts hosted at Heritage Bank Stadium.”

“The stage is set and we’re looking forward to seeing Paul McCartney bring Heritage Bank Stadium to life on Saturday night.”

With just over 24 hours until Paul McCartney takes to the stage, the production and catering bump in is in full swing with the stadium revealing what goes into preparing for a show of this size.

Not only does it take a full week to transition the stadium from an AFLW match on Friday 27 October to Paul McCartney on Saturday 4 November but 20,000sqm of turf protection needs to be laid out and 14,000 temporary seats installed on the footy field.

The stadium’s catering team are readying themselves for a big night, estimating that concert goers will consume 3,500 cups of hot chips,1000 hot dogs,17,000 beers and 5,000 bottles of water. Then when the show is over 25 x 40ft trucks full of Tour production equipment will be shipped out, within two hours of the closing song.

“This is going to be a once in a lifetime performance you don’t want to miss,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“To have Paul McCartney choose to play his final Australian concert of the tour in our city sends a message to the world that we put on great shows and we are determined to continue to attract the world’s best artists to our shores.”

If you haven’t already secured your tickets, there are still limited tickets available through Ticketek.

Heritage Bank Stadium is encouraging fans attending Saturday’s concert to get there early to avoid queues. Gates open at 5:00pm (early access available from 3:00pm) with the concert scheduled to start at 7:00pm.

Public transport to the stadium is free on QLD Rail and Kinetic Buses. Visit Translink for more information.

Acting CEO of Experience Gold Coast Rachel Hancock said businesses and hotels across the Gold Coast are gearing up for a busy weekend.

“Our STR Accommodation Report is showing really strong bookings over this weekend for Paul McCartney with occupancy up around 88% for Saturday night which is terrific and up on this time last year,” said Ms Hancock. “Recent trends tell us we can still expect some last-minute bookings as well so we’re anticipating Paul McCartney’s concert will bring a significant boost for the local economy.”

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.

SPRINGTIME gets set to bloom with full program reveal

Posted on by Kesha West

Live music, a pop-up skate plaza, mural artists and a huge interactive art installation inspired by retro arcade games is all set to land in Surfers Paradise for SPRINGTIME this September!

Less than one month out from the return of the Gold Coast’s newest free music, arts and skate festival SPRINGTIME has unveiled its program for three days and nights of good times making for the perfect spring long weekend.

With a stacked lineup of more than 30 artists across two stages, the Vans Skate Plaza, live art murals, a new participatory performance installation from the team behind 2022’s smash hit ‘The Cleaners’, DJ workshops and more, SPRINGTIME is once again set to blossom.

Kicking off on the Gold Coast’s ‘Show Day’ public holiday on Friday 1 September, day one of the three-day event kicks off at noon with live music from some of the country’s favourite artists, including sets from Brisbane pop act Sycco, electro-pop outfit Boo Seeka, internationally acclaimed group Girl and Girl who will be lighting up the newly-named Dr. Martens Street Stage, and a special DJ slot on the SPRINGTIME Beach Stage from beloved dance duo Bag Raiders.

Complementing the live music element of the program, live art mural painting will add even more colour to the festival, with the candy-coloured aesthetic of renowned Korean-Australian artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE and Yuggera – Minjungbal – Nyangbul – Ugarapul land duo Malara Rise both kickstarting their live mural painting showcases as part of the ever popular SPRINGTIME arts program.

For punters of all ages looking to engage directly with art and test their skills, the creative minds at Shock Therapy Arts are set to surprise SPRINGTIME fans with another hit – Quest of Chaos, a totally new participatory performance installation that’s one part obstacle course, one part live action video game, one part retro art installation, and a whole lotta fun.

Commissioned for SPRINGTIME, Quest of Chaos lifts influences from Japanese game shows, retro video games and animated series and will take participants through a series of obstacle course challenges. Players will put their physical and mental skills to the test as they attempt to defeat King Chaos and his gang of interdimensional troublemakers, in this totally unique fun interactive experience.

More than just art and music, SPRINGTIME will also welcome back the newly named Vans Skate Plaza. Kicking off at 12:00pm daily, the beach-side skatepark will showcase skate demos from some of the country’s most revered skateboarders, including Gold Coast locals Jesse Noonan, and 22-year-old Nixen Osborne and at just 17 years old, Newcastle local Rome Collyer across all three days of the festival. Experienced skaters are encouraged to come down to this Skaters Paradise and show off their skills as well.

Vans couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with SPRINGTIME festival this year!” said the team at Vans. “We want this to be a place for self-expression and creativity, so come hang out and showcase your skills alongside some of Vans best riders!”

Music and fun will continue at the Paradise Centre shopping mall with an opportunity for budding DJs to hit the decks. For the first time, SPRINGTIME will be teaming up with Paradise Centre to provide people of all ages the chance to drop in and learn to spin the decks and mix like a pro, with a series of totally free workshops run by DJ Skool every day of the long weekend.

As the sun rises on day two of SPRINGTIME, get ready to enjoy another packed day of live music including a special performance from Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, who will be bringing their unique live show of disco-house, gospel, and dancing from Melbourne to the beachfront, plus we welcome international superstar BENEE to the SPRINGTIME stage! Fresh from massive performances at Coachella, Splendour In The Grass and Day Trip Festival, the highly renowned Kiwi performer will guarantee good times on the Saturday night, totally free of charge!

For music fans still hungry for more on day three, SPRINGTIME will still be in full bloom with live sets from Gold Coast local Bella Amor, Eliza & The Delusionals, Perth multi-instrumentalist Mitch Santiago and Byron Bay psychedelic pop outfit Babe Rainbow.

As the sun sets on the final day of SPRINGTIME, audiences are invited to round out the weekend with the sand between their toes down at the Beach Stage, as iconic Australian artist Matt Corby slows things down, bringing his signature mix of indie, soul and folk for a not-to-be-missed set on the beachfront.

“We can’t believe it’s less than a month now until we bring in spring with a bang, at the second annual SPRINGTIME,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth. “The 2023 program is really going to shine a spotlight on the range of musical talent we have here in Australia and right in our backyard on the Gold Coast. We’re also pumped to welcome the incredible BENEE to the SPRINGTIME Beach Stage from New Zealand.”

SPRINGTIME is proud to again be partnering with the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) in 2023 to celebrate and support the local music scene. The festival will be kicking off the fun early at the GCMAs after-party presented by SPRINGTIME on Thursday 31 August at Home of the Arts (HOTA).

The good vibes and live music will continue across Surfer Paradise all long weekend in our Friends of SPRINGTIME venues. Visit springtimegc.com for more information.

Plan your long weekend of live music, entertainment and good times on the beach by downloading the SPRINGTIME festival app. Spring can’t come soon enough!

The Quest of Chaos project received funding from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

 

SPRINGTIME takes arts program to a whole new level in 2023

Posted on by Kesha West

A massive interactive art installation inspired by retro arcade games is set to land in Surfers Paradise for SPRINGTIME this September, and no tokens are needed!

After drawing tens of thousands of art and music lovers to Surfers Paradise in 2022, SPRINGTIME will once again welcome back its one-of-a-kind arts program in 2023 in addition to its phenomenal artist lineup.

From Shock Therapy Arts – the brains behind paint splattered hit ‘The Cleaners’ seen at SPRINGTIME 2022 – comes Quest of Chaos, a totally new participatory performance installation that’s one part obstacle course, one part live action video game, one part retro art installation, and a whole lota fun.

Commissioned for SPRINGTIME, Quest of Chaos lifts influences from Japanese game shows, retro video games and animated series and will take participants through a series of obstacle course challenges. Players will put their physical and mental skills to the test as they attempt to defeat King Chaos and his gang of interdimensional troublemakers, in this totally unique fun interactive experience.

“We are pumped to bring Quest of Chaos to life for its world premiere at SPRINGTIME,” said Hayden Jones from Shock Therapy Arts. “We have had a blast ‘nerding out’ on a range of inspirations for this interactive installation, from wacky Japanese game shows like Takeshi’s Castle, to retro platform games like Super Mario World and old animated series like Masters of the Universe and Dragonball Z.

“We’re honoured for Quest of Chaos to be the first ever newly commissioned installation by SPRINGTIME, following on from the success of our work ‘The Cleaners’ at last year’s festival. It’s amazing that SPRINGTIME is offering a festival of this calibre, free to the public.”

Festival Director Mark Duckworth said the SPRINGTIME team was stoked to be able to build on last year’s successful arts program by commissioning a brand-new participatory installation just for the festival, while also supporting the Gold Coast’s incredible local arts scene at the same time.

“Shock Therapy Arts are renowned for creating out-of-the-box experiences and we were excited to give them an opportunity to come up with another extraordinary installation for SPRINGTIME. We can’t wait for festival fans to play Quest of Chaos down on iconic Surfers Paradise beach come September.”

SPRINGTIME will also welcome the clean, candy coloured art of renowned Korean-Australian artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE to the shoreline in 2023. Born in Daegu, South Korea and raised in regional NSW, YEAHYEAHCHLOE has been using her signature aesthetic (reminiscent of the 90’s cartoons that she grew up with as a kid) to create eye-catching works for everyone to enjoy, including the likes of Gucci, Google, Twix and Nike. In September, audiences can see YEAHYEAHCHLOE creating her art in real time as she brings a fresh coat of paint to Surfers Paradise.


Last, but definitely not least, SPRINGTIME is also pleased to welcome Britney & Stefanie Noffke of twin sister art duo Malara Rise to the program in 2023. Growing up on Yuggera – Minjungbal – Nyangbul – Ugarapul land, Malara Rise draw inspiration from Australia’s colourful flora and fauna, channelling it into contemporary cultural storytelling through their iconic paintings. The two sisters will be creating a special and unique mural just for SPRINGTIME, in our street gallery beside the beach.

“We are honoured to be sharing our connection to this land through the art program for Springtime,” said Malara Rise.

Bringing in Spring with a bang, SPRINGTIME kicks off on 1-3 September. True to its promise, the festival now in its second year will guarantee good times for all and 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.

Taking place across two stages, including the Main Stage and the newly named Dr. Martens Street Stage, SPRINGTIME’s 2023 music lineup will include ethereal indie-pop icon Matt Corby, New Zealand alt-pop artist BENEE, Australia’s favourite party-starting duo Bag Raiders, the smooth textured sounds of electropop artist Boo Seeka and Queensland’s very own multi-award-winning artist Sycco.

Focusing on putting homegrown talent front and centre, SPRINGTIME also welcomes Australia’s favourite psych-pop outfit Babe Rainbow, indie-rock tour de force Eliza & The Delusionals, rising pop powerhouse Bella Amor, beloved pop artist grentperez, Brisbane indie-pop act yb. and a performance from Sunshine & Faith Disco Choir, who will be bringing their unique live show packed with disco-house, gospel, costumes and dancing from Melbourne to the beachfront for the first time.

The lineup, which boasts more than 30 artists, doesn’t end there with additional sets from Girl & Girl, Mitch Santiago, Daste., Chutney, Greatest Hits, Dizzy Days, Austin Mackay, Radolescent, Lemaire, The Vultures, Betty Taylor, Big Fuzz, Tomorrow’s Forecast, N’jaane, Bill Durry and Jason Van Miert.

So whether you’re into music, arts or a whole heap of good fun, SPRINGTIME 2023 has got you covered, and best of all it’s FREE! Spring in Surfers Paradise will never be the same again.

The Quest of Chaos project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Saturday Night cruising returns to Cooly Rocks On

Posted on by Kesha West

Yesteryear rolled back into Coolangatta for Cooly Rocks On with the long-awaited return of the beloved Saturday Night Car Cruise.

The sold-out event saw 250 classics, hot rods, muscle cars and more cruise through the streets of the iconic beachside destination, much to the thrill of onlookers.

“We were stoked to successfully bring back the car cruise this year and give enthusiasts another opportunity to show off their pride and joy,” said Major Events Gold Coast Director of Festivals and Events Mark Duckworth.

The highly anticipated Cooly Rocks On Show ‘N’ Shine again proved why it’s an annual drawcard for car enthusiasts from all over the country with almost 900 vehicles on display stretching for two kilometres.

“I am a car head, and this was on the bucket list, I had to get up here from Victoria to have a look. Booking for next year!” – Scott, Car Enthusiast.

The Gold Coast turned on its famous winter sunshine for the tens of thousands of fans who donned their best vintage threads and up dos to take a trip down memory lane over five action-packed days.

“Last year we had record crowds of more than 136,000 and this year felt just as busy if not bigger,” said Mark. People come for the music, the entertainment and of course for the cars, and the attention to detail in the fashion, the Show ‘N’ Shine, it’s what makes this festival such a unique experience that people want to come back for year after year.”

Cooly Rocks On welcomed acts from around Australia and the world, including the artist known as the best Elvis Tribute Artist in the world Shawn Klush (USA), Swedish rockabilly trio The Go Getters and Japan’s master of Samurai rock ‘n’ roll Johnny Pandora just to name a few.

New Zealand’s Che Orton took out the prestigious Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest for 2023 and will now represent the festival at Elvis Week in Memphis, USA later this year.

“Just so happy and proud to be able to represent Cooly Rocks On and Australia in Memphis this August. It’s a dream come true to be able to go back to Graceland.”  – Che Orton, Cooly Rocks On UETA Contest winner.

Brisbane’s Sim Lovett, who grew up in Hong Kong and goes by the name Bunny Boulevard, was crowned this year’s Pin-up Pageant winner.

“The Cooly Rocks On Pin-Up Pageant is the epitome for us girls, it’s not all about winning but about enjoying the process amongst our tight knit and supportive community,” – Sim Lovett, Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant winner.

Lovers of nostalgia filled the streets, restaurants and hotels bringing a welcome boost for the local economy. Accommodation houses reported they were fully booked over the festival and were already three quarters full for next year’s Cooly Rocks On. Restaurants, bars and cafés said they had a bumper five days.

Festival goers were just as ready to dig deep to support the official Charity Partner for Cooly Rocks On, MND and Me Foundation for a chance to win a 1954 Chevrolet Hot Rod Pick Up Truck.

Affectionately known as ‘Daphne’ the bright orange beauty has been restored to its vintage look and feel complete with a brand new V8 engine. More than $50,000 worth of tickets were sold across the festival with all proceeds going directly to Motor Neurone Disease research.

Cooly Rocks On wraps for 2023 with thanks to our Sponsor Family: City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, Indian Motorcycle, Shannons, Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA), Clean Vibes, EVENTelec and 92.5 Triple M.

Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, has once again proven why it’s an unmissable annual event for lovers of motors, music and the lifestyle of yesteryear. Get ready for more rock ‘n’ roll, dancing and revving engines this time next year when we do it all again in spectacular fashion from 5-9 June 2024.

Cooly Rocks On welcomes 2023 Sponsor Family

Posted on by Kesha West

Cooly Rocks On has kicked into gear with Australia’s much-loved nostalgia festival set to take Coolangatta back in time from Wednesday 7 June.

Last year the festival welcomed record crowds who had made the pilgrimage to the Gold Coast to enjoy the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear over five jam-packed days. Now it is time to do it all over again with an even more exciting program of international acts and plenty of music, fashion, and classic cars.

Joining us for the ride in 2023 are some familiar friends in our Sponsor Family and we look forward to welcoming some new Cooly Rocks On partners.

We are incredibly proud to have MND and Me Foundation on board as our Official Charity Partner for the 2023 festival. The MND and Me Foundation is a wonderful organisation that supports people and their families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Queensland, while striving towards finding a cure.

Cooly Rocks On fans can show their support by purchasing raffle tickets at the festival and will go in the draw to win a 1954 Chevrolet Hot Rod Pick Up Truck valued at $200,000! All proceeds will go directly to the MND and ME Foundation to help fund their ongoing MND research efforts.

“The MND and Me Foundation is looking forward to a great weekend at Cooly Rocks On raising money to fund vital research into finding a cure for motor neurone disease. What better raffle prize for this event than a 1954 Chevy COE Pick Up that has a 2022 Camaro V8 engine under the hood!” – Jane Milne, MND and Me Foundation CEO.

Iconic motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle is again partnering with Cooly Rocks On as an Official Support Partner. The Indian Motorcycle brand embodies the nostalgic and historic nature of the festival and even Elvis owned one! Check out the latest rides at the Indian Motorcycle display on the Coolangatta foreshore throughout the festival.

Shannons is once again joining our festival family as an Official Support Partner in 2023. A leading insurance and auction house for veteran, vintage and classic vehicles and motorcycles, we couldn’t think of a more perfect fit for Australia’s award-winning nostalgia festival.

New to the family is award-winning event specialist electricians and engineers, EVENTelec – there’re the ones supplying power and turning up the dial to get things buzzing this festival! EVENTelec have been powering major events and festivals across a variety of sectors since 1996 and are a new Community Partner across Major Events Gold Coast’s four annual music festivals.

“Our synergies are very similar, and we both aim to deliver world class festivals while developing and supporting the local economy and attracting visitors to the region.” – EVENTelec

We also welcome Triple M to our Sponsor Family as a Community Partner in 2023.

Clean Vibes will be on site helping us reduce waste at Cooly Rocks On this year and minimising the impact on the beautiful Coolangatta foreshore.

And we are proud to be working with the Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) who provide cultural guidance across all our festivals.

Coming through the Gold Coast Airport to visit Cooly Rocks On, the sensational Pacific Belles will transport visitors back in time from the minute they land with sweet tunes from the 40s as part of the festival’s partnership with the airport.

Cooly Rocks On wouldn’t be the award-winning festival it is, without the ongoing support from our strategic partner, the City of Gold Coast and major partner the Queensland government via Tourism and Events Queensland.

As we prepare to start our engines, we want to send a huge welcome to our 2023 Cooly Rocks On Sponsor Family. See you all in Coolangatta for five days of cars, music and fashion.

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