EXCLUSIVE: AUSSIE ICONS SUPERCHARGE SUPERCARS
Townsville 400 recruits rock royalty to fire up crowd
TOWNSVILLE will play host to not one, but two, members of Australian music royalty at this year’s Supercars event.
Organisers are today expected to announce John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite as headliners for a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Watpac Townsville 400 at Reid Park in July.
Supercars acting chief executive Shane Howard said the announcement would be a “major boost” for the event and the Townsville region.
“We’re thrilled to bring together two of Australia’s biggest stars for this year’s event with generations of fans and some of our greatest and most iconic homegrown hits,” he said. “It’s not every day you get to hear two of Australia’s most iconic songs Horses and You’re the Voice live on the same stage, so we expect a massive turnout.”
The concert will be Farnham’s first Supercars event in Townsville.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of a very special anniversary for Townsville,” he said.
“I really enjoy North Queensland, it is such a wonderful place and these big events are always full of energy which gets the adrenaline pumping.”
Braithwaite said it would be “very special” performing in Townsville.
“We love Supercars, the fans really embrace the concerts and it’s a really enjoyable night on stage,” he said. “We will never get tired of hearing thousands of fans sing along to our songs, it’s quite extraordinary.”
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Farnham and Braithwaite’s combined star power would be a big drawcard for local and international travellers.
“The Townsville 400 is a top sporting experience with a loyal following, attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year and generating millions of dollars for Townsville and the state’s economy,” she said.
Ms Jones said she encouraged visitors to “stay on and explore the region” after the event.
Townsville Enterprise tourism and events director Bridget Woods said she was “really excited” to have the iconic Australian music legends performing at the Supercars.
“I welcome the opportunity to see both icons as part of the overall experience ... I’m sure the crowds will absolutely embrace the concert, which adds another element to the fun and excitement of what’s already a signature event,” she said.
The Watpac Townsville 400 is on from July 6- 8.