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THE AIRLIE Beach Festival of Music will be taking over the entire town again, attracting punters from all over the country, as well as the many locals who attend every year.
With its home right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, the three-day ‘party in paradise’ is back for its 12th year, taking place from November 8 to 10, 2024.
With the music spread throughout multiple venues across the town, as well as in the Big Tent, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music atmosphere is electric.
Everything is easy to get to and fully equipped – no need to bring camping chairs!
The festival hosts a variety of both ‘big name’ acts and new talent waiting to be discovered – there is truly something for every musical taste.
First major lineup
The first major lineup announcement is one of the festival’s best to date, according to organisers.
It includes a stack of household names with Sweet (UK), Pseudo Echo, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, 19 Twenty and Bondi Cigars, all set to take the main stage, plus many more throughout the town.
All the way from the UK, glam rock legends Sweet will be bringing classic tunes like Fox On The Runand Ballroom Blitz to the north Queensland Tropics, for the very first time.
Fusing bubble gum melodies with crunching, fuzzy guitars, the band’s festival appearance is set to be their first time in Australia, in a decade.
The band is absolutely pumped to be coming, saying: “We can’t wait to play the Airlie Beach Music Festival, it’s going to be the highlight of our Australian Tour!”
Pioneering band of the 80s
Also topping the bill for the first announcement is new-nave band Pseudo Echo.
Formed by a couple of Melbourne high school mates, in 1982, the Australian four-piece went on to become one of the pioneering bands of the 1980s, in Australia.
Best known for their international #1 smash hit Funky Town, Pseudo Echo revolutionised the music landscape with their avant-garde style and hits such as Listening, A Beat For You, Don’t Go, Living In A Dream and Love and Adventure.
Roaring riffs and soaring pop hooks
It was almost 23 years ago that Jebediah first shambled on stage in their shorts, sneakers, blue hair, dimples, grins and smirks and started bouncing off the walls with their roaring riffs and soaring pop hooks, tearing the lid off the Big Day Outand the Hottest 100 overnight.
Twenty-three years, six albums and piles of awards and acclaim later, the ‘Jebs’ continue to captivate their devout fan base with their infectious energy and enthusiasm.
Jedediah front-man Kevin Mitchell said: “We can’t wait for some sand, sun and fruity seltzers at the Airlie Beach Music Festival! It will be our first time plus we’ll be bringing a brand-new album of tunes to play – see you there.”
Part of Australia’s musical landscape
Thirsty Merc are unquestionably one of Australia’s finest live acts, having released four critically acclaimed albums.
With more than 250,000 album sales under their belt, a finalist in the APRA Song of the Year for 20 Good Reasons (which also reached #1 on iTunes in Australia), and five ARIA award nominations, Thirsty Merc have found their way into the fabric of Australia’s musical landscape.
My Island Home
Christine Anu is one of Australia’s most popular recording artists and performers of all time, who uses her voice and reputation to spread a message of unity and hope.
With 17 ARIA nominations, including the APRA AMCOS award-winning My Island Homeand her platinum album Stylin’ Up, she has one of the country’s most enduring and recognisable voices.
Speaking on coming to back to the region for her first time in 12 years, Christine said: “Since getting to play in Airlie Beach, back in 2012, I’ve been itching to come back for a chance to play in paradise.
“The Whitsundays region is such a beautiful part of the country, and I cannot wait to come and play for you all at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year!“
Also featured in the first announcement in 2024 are Australian blues mainstays Ash Grunwald and Bondi Cigars, alongside the high-energy sonic party that is 19 Twenty.
Passport to Airlie finals
The first lineup announcement comes with the news that, after years of growth and success, the annual Passport to Airlie finals will be held on Friday this year.
The competition will take place during the day and lead into the first night, with last year’s winners Avalanche returning to perform, followed by Thirsty Merc, and then Jebediah will be closing the Friday night out.
Avalanche front-man Steve Campbell said: “We are keen as hell to rock out at Airlie Beach FOM again this year!
“We had some of the best times of our lives at last year’s festival, winning Passport to Airlie, hanging in the VIP tent, watching all the amazing bands.
“It was an absolutely massive weekend and we can’t wait to do it all again and see some old faces and new faces join the party with us this year.“
Festival tickets on sale
Festival tickets are on sale now, with the first release, three-day tickets going for $310 and limited VIP tickets going for $1,000.
The three-day ‘festival in paradise’ draws thousands of people from Australia-wide and accommodation is bound to sell out, so book now if you are from out of town or you have friends travelling to Airlie for the festival.
Free buses running to and from the festival are included in the ticket price and get everyone home safely.
For more information and tickets visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram.
