Airlie Beach Festival of Music was a celebration like no other, transforming the town into a non-stop party with incredible live music, themed costumes and an unbeatable vibe! Visitors from around the world joined enthusiastic locals to revel in everything Airlie Beach has to offer, proving once again why this festival is a standout on the Queensland event calendar.
The festival kicked off with an unforgettable opening party, with blues and roots trio, 19 Twenty setting the tone for the weekend ahead. Over 10,000 attendees poured in over the five-day calendar, ready to unleash their inner party animals, and the festival didn’t disappoint!
The Passport to Airlie event saw nine standout acts from across the country take to the stage, all vying for a highly coveted main stage spot at next year’s festival. Performing to a packed house, the musicians brought their A-game and after intense deliberation by a panel of industry experts, Sunshine Coast based singer-songwriter, Tom Neilson, ultimately claimed the title. The level of talent left the judges torn and underscored why Passport to Airlie remains one of the festival’s most anticipated events, spotlighting emerging talent from across Australia.
The main tent was alive with spontaneous dance-offs, a surprise guest appearance by a local legend belting out classic hits and even an impromptu conga line that snaked through the crowd. Local venues were buzzing with performers who brought their A-game, from soul-stirring ballads to high-energy rock anthems, creating a vibrant soundtrack for the festivities. The closing celebration’s soon to kick off, bringing everyone together for one last hurrah – a perfect mix of epic tunes, laid-back vibes and pinch-yourself Whitsunday moments!
The festival’s reach extended beyond the stages, with all partner venues and accommodation houses buzzing with energy and reaping the rewards of record-breaking food and beverage sales and overnight stays, culminating in an impressive $5 million+ injection into the local economy. From cozy cafes and bustling bars, to water sports operators and local artisans, Airlie Beach businesses thrived under the festival’s influence, further cementing the event’s importance to the community. Plus, the festival’s spirit of giving shone brightly as thousands of dollars was raised for the BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter through a raffle and live auction, further extending the festival’s community give-back.
“In a year where costs were higher than ever, pulling off an event of this scale was a challenge,” said Gavin “Butto” Butlin, when reflecting on the achievement.
“Seeing the town come alive and knowing how much this festival supports our community, makes every ounce of effort worthwhile.”
As the Airlie Beach Festival of Music wraps up another epic year, it’s time to set your sights on next year’s adventure! Now’s the time to start planning your getaway from 7th to 9th November, with a day either side for a little pre-party and post-festival shenanigans to spice up your plans. Trust us – you won’t want to miss a single beat!
