IF YOU’VE ever wanted to party like a rockstar in paradise, now is your chance.
Festivalgoers at this weekend’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be able to rub shoulders with Australian rock royalty and experience a town coming alive to the sound of music, in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Setting the agenda on how to make the most of the event from November 4 to 6 will be its 2022 ambassador and Australian singer-songwriter Sarah McLeod.
“As far as festivals go, this one has it all – a stunning location, world-class tourism experiences, a stellar line-up of headline artists, and the chance to discover emerging acts,” she said.
Together with country music legend Bill Chambers, McLeod will be part of a celebrity judging panel for the national ‘Passport to Airlie’ talent search.
Officially Australia’s largest live original music showcase, and presented by Brick Lane, the grand final of the 2022 Passport to Airlie will be held in the festival’s main tent, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, on Thursday, November 3.
Starting from 6pm, eight of the nation’s best new acts will be battling it out for the overall ‘Passport to Airlie’ title and national 2022 crown.
In the running are The Neo (Darwin), Abi Muir (Cairns), Weathered (Mackay), Perry Street Park (Brisbane), Owls of Neptune (Sunshine Coast), Sunday Lemonade (Byron Bay), Dande & The Lion (Newcastle), and Karly Jewell (Melbourne).
The night will conclude with a set by Sarah McLeod featuring an array of songs from her solo albums as well as ‘a Superjesus song or two’.
Entry is free for three-day festival pass holders, or $10 on the gate.
In the hopes of inspiring the next generation of musical prodigies, the night is open to all ages, with free entry for under 18’s accompanied by an adult.
Airlie comes alive!
Fast-forward across the following three days, when Airlie Beach becomes the beating heart of live music Australia-wide.
Festival founder Gavin Butlin said with the array of genres spread across 16 venues as well as the main tent, there would be something to satisfy every musical taste.
“We’re proud to be presenting an incredibly diverse line-up for our 10th anniversary year, featuring everything from UK Beatles-era band The Animals, to the troubadours of modern electronica, Loonaloop,” he said.
“Pairing this with the variety our venue partners offer means musical experiences in settings from a boutique beach bar all the way to the electric atmosphere of the main tent.”
In addition to The Animals and Loonaloop, acts playing the festival’s iconic waterfront main stage include Ben Lee, Eskimo Joe, Jon Stevens, Rogue Traders, The Badloves, and Mi-Sex.
Celebrating the close of the 10th anniversary event will be an official After Party, hosted by Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill on Monday, November 7.
Kicking off at 1pm, acts will include Noah Robertson, Lash 78, Matty Rogers, Bill Chambers, Sam McCann, and Sarah McLeod.
Entry is $20 or free for three-day festival pass-holders, with transport to and from the venue available via Northerlies’ courtesy bus.
Three-day passes cost $300, with day tickets now available for $140.
To purchase tickets, and for all festival information, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram.
