Caloundra music festival proves a hit
Wed 12 November 2008
Simone Hockins, Journalism
In 12 months the Caloundra music festival has progressed from a gamble to a “Sun, Surf and Soul” brand, embraced by the community and stars.
Pete Murray, Vanessa Amorosi, Daryl Braithwaite, Mark Seymour and Tripod are just some of the artists who love the festival.
And this year, they were not alone. The Sunshine Coast Daily reported that 15,000 punters, more three times last year’s crowd, attended the event.
The second annual Caloundra Music Festival was a success even before a temporary fence was erected at Kings Beach Parklands and the gates thrown open.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council event manager Richie Eyles said ticket sales were up by almost 1800 tickets one week before the event.
“It was already substantially better than last year’s,” Mr Eyles said.
Caloundra City Council, now part of the amalgamated Sunshine Coast Regional Council, agreed to fund the festival on the condition that it became self-sustaining within five years.
An array of stars lined up to lend their support, including Pete Murray and Kate Miller-Heidke.
“It is a testament to us that they agreed to play this year,” Mr Eyles said.
Securing big name acts was due in part to the success of last year’s event, which won the Caloundra City Australia Day Award for 2008 Community Event of the Year.
Council also received great feedback from the Sunshine Coast community and the performers.
Hunters and Collectors frontman, Mark Seymour wrote to the council after he played last year, praising the event’s quality and professionalism.
Other performers enjoyed it too, with many agreeing to play again this year, including singers Daryl Braithwaite, Vanessa Amorosi and comedy trio Tripod.
Caloundra Chamber of Commerce President Loretta Searchfield believes this is part due to the location and the stage.
“It’s nice to see the soundstage at Kings Beach being utilised … it is a wonderful venue,” Ms Searchfield said
The success of the event not only pleased organisers, musicians and the audience, but boosted the local hospitality industry.
“It benefits the Caloundra region by visitors filling the accommodation, which also spins off for restaurants and eateries,” Ms Searchfield said.
Mr Eyles agreed and said the family event was not only important to local businesses, but to locals as well.
“It makes a brand for Caloundra, with the region becoming synonymous with the event,” Mr Eyles said.
“It is selling the city and produces an event of stature.”
Mr Eyles also said the community benefited from the cultural aspect the event brings, largely through the Village.
The Village, run by the Future Leader group as part of their TAFE assessment, includes local acts, cultural workshops and art displays, parades, and children’s areas.
Though the future of the festival looks rosy now, it has not always been so.
Concerns were raised about its future when Caloundra City amalgamated with Maroochy and Noosa Shire Councils.
However, Caloundra Council approved the return of the event shortly after last year’s event.
“It stayed because it was seen as being successful,” Mr Eyles said.
Another challenge was keeping local residents happy, especially regarding noise and traffic.
The area responded well to the event, with many supportive letters written to council, largely because it provides entertainment for the family.
The family aspect was maintained this year, with organisers choosing acts that suited the festival’s “Sun, Surf and Soul” signature.
Mr Eyles said it did not affect the diversity of the artists.
“We purposely called this a music festival, so not to limit the music to one genre,” Mr Eyles said.
“It is for a broad demographic."
Local bands also played a significant role in the event, making up more than half of the 50 acts.
“We have a responsibility to support the local industry,” Mr Eyles said.
“They are a crucial part of it.”
Community involvement in the form of volunteers is also crucial. There were 170 volunteers this year, each giving 10 hours of their time.
“The event couldn’t afford to run without them,” Mr Eyles said.
“They are the lifeblood of the event.”
And the benefit for the volunteers?
“It’s community pride, the ownership by volunteers and their sense of pride,” Mr Eyles said.
Volunteer Leane Nielsen, who supervised the ticketing sales of the bar area, agreed.
“It is good for the community, and feels good to do something for [them],” Ms Nielsen said.
The future of the event looks promising; as the festival was drawing to a close, Richie Eyles stood on stage and asked the audience if they wanted the festival back again next year.
The crowd replied with an emphatic “yes”.
Image(s) designed by Simone Hockins