Will Airlie Beach Music Festival be Festival of the Year?

WITH your help, Airlie Beach Music Festival could be the “Festival of the Year”.

The popular event has been nominated for ‘Festival of the Year’ in the 2019 Queensland Music Awards and is now officially a finalist in that category.

Presented by Jack Daniels, the QMA People’s Choice Awards is a state-wide poll allowing music lovers across Queensland to cast their votes.

Gavin Butlin, festival founder, said he was thrilled the event had become a finalist and he was encouraging everyone who had ever attended to spread the word and vote.

“Where else but Airlie Beach can you see 74 bands beside 74 Whitsunday islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef?” he asked.

“At most other festivals you watch bands on a stage in a paddock but our main tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club is virtually surrounded by the Coral Sea.”

Mr Butlin said it was also an event that brought an entire town to life, with the music spread around 18 venues, most within walking distance across Airlie Beach.

“It’s a party in a tropical paradise where the atmosphere is electric. Our venues are easy to get to and fully equipped, and with a line-up of big name acts and emerging talent, there is something to satisfy every musical taste,” he said.

Tourism Whitsundays chief executive officer Tash Wheeler said it was fantastic to see the Airlie Beach Festival of Music being recognised as one of Queensland’s premier music festivals.

“Each year this event attracts a huge number of tourists visiting our beautiful region and soaking up the atmosphere that descends upon Airlie Beach over the festival weekend,” she said.

Voting is open until midnight on February 28, at http://themusic.com.au/qmas and all entries go into a draw to win a double pass to BIGSOUND Festival.

The winner will be announced at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on Tuesday, March 19, in an event featuring performances by Amy Shark, DZ Deathrays, Resin Dogs, Clea, Emma Beau and Tokyo Twilight.

The 2019 Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be held from November 8-10.

Tickets are on sale through Whitsunday Tickets and www. airliebeachfestivalofmusic. com.au.

Early Bird Three Day Pass – $240

Early Bird Single Day Pass – $130

VIP Three Day Pass – $1000.

Early bird ticket prices are available until March 31.