New major festival announced for Coast

THE Gold Coast will play host to a new outdoor lifestyle festival this September, with the major drawcard for the city to be officially announced today.

OutdoorX will give adventurers the front-row seat to all the latest caravans, 4x4s, campers, trailers and watersports craft at Sanctuary Cove from September 13-15.

It is another feather in the cap for Sanctuary Cove, which is already home to the International Boat Show which kicks off next month for its 31st year.

Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser said the event would rival the boat show for size, with organisers expecting around 30,000 people through the gates across the weekend.

“We believe there is a huge opportunity to launch a second major festival that caters for everyone who loves the outdoors,” Mr Hasser said.

“While OutdoorX will be unlike any event Australia has seen, we will ensure it sets the same high standards as the boat show in terms of both visitor and exhibitor experience.”

The event already has the support of a number of industry groups, including the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia who have tipped it to become the country’s biggest of its kind.

“(The) Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has been the number one event in this arena for years and for its organisers to incorporate the recreational vehicle sector into its new event is a huge valueadd,” CEO Richard Barwick said.

Organisers said interest had already been strong from exhibitors for this year with some major brands already locked in.