Free blues festival a lesson to the world
THIS weekend’s Blues on Broadbeach music festival, the biggest event on the beachside precinct’s calendar, has a point to prove.
A world-renowned fourday feast of free shows by leading local, national and international acts — and some of the city’s most promising young student musicians — the festival’s warm, family friendly vibe has made it a must-visit event for interstate visitors in particular.
The spoils of its stellar reputation have spread throughout the city since the light rail opened in 2014, with the Stage 2 extension to Helensvale tipped to deliver even bigger crowds to Broadbeach for the event this weekend.
Presented by Broadbeach Alliance and realised by a small, efficient team, the festival’s winning formula has raised the bar, and audience expectations, for free events both here and in other cities.
The event’s popularity was one of the reasons crowds were so disappointed with the program served up in Broadbeach in April during Festival 2018, the Commonwealth Games’ arts and culture celebration.
Audiences expecting a Blues on Broadbeach-style party were left scratching their heads as some of Festival 2018’s most hyped acts struggled crowds.
There was no such disappointment last night as clear skies helped rope in a large crowd for a winning opening night at this year’s 17th annual Blues on Broadbeach.
More than 70 acts will perform free shows until Sunday night as part of this year’s bill, which includes a headlining set by five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray on the main Surf Parade stage on Sunday. Record crowds are also expected to pour into the precinct on Saturday to see acts including The Screaming Jets, Ash Grunwald, Memphis Blues sensation Southern Avenue, Backsliders, to connect with Eilen Jewell and Kid Congo & The Pink Money Birds.
Major Events Group Senior Sergeant Andrew Frick said police would be out and about to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
“Police will also be monitoring and addressing any anti-social behaviour, particularly in regards to liquor offences,” he said.
“Members of the public are reminded they cannot consume liquor in a public place and by doing so could face fines of $126.”
Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays and congestion in and around the precinct, with several roads closed until 2am Monday.
Surf Parade will be closed to traffic between Victoria Ave and Queensland Ave and between Victoria Ave and Charles Ave, with limited access for taxis and Sofitel Hotel guests.
Queensland Ave will be closed between Jubilee Ave and Federation Ave and Victoria Ave will close to traffic between the Gold Coast Highway and Surf Parade.
Albert Avenue from Old Burleigh Road to Surf Parade will be open to local traffic only during the event.
The Broadbeach taxi rank will move to the Surf Parade bus stop opposite the Sofitel Hotel, between Victoria Ave and Charles Ave, during the event. See the full program at bluesonbroadbeach.com.au