Killing Heidi, Liz Stringer & More Join 2016 Queenscliff Music Festival Line-up

Iconic '90s alt-rockers Killing Heidi, venerated singer-songwriter Liz Stringer, stalwart duo Sweet Jean and more have joined the line-up for this year's Queenscliff Music Festival, returning to Victoria in November.

The festival will be Killing Heidi's first performance in 10 years; although central siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper have been asked to reunite the band before, it's never eventuated — so QMF has nabbed something of a nostalgic coup in securing a showing from the band, who, incidentally, are also marking 20 years since the release of their debut single, 1996's Kettle, this year.

"We've been asked to perform live many times over the years and have always declined," Ella explained in a statement. "But it just goes to show — never say never.

"I’m ready to celebrate that amazing time and also to claim that part of my journey as a songwriter. To join such a stellar line-up at this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival is the perfect way to return to the stage for us. There are so many great artists playing this year; we can’t wait! We love Queenscliff Music Festival and usually go with our family, so to be busting out the family band to perform this year is going to be KILLER. 

"What Killing Heidi's music meant and still means to the people that shared that amazing time with us really blows me away. I meet so many people, especially young women, who tell me how Killing Heidi inspired them to be themselves, back themselves or even start a band, and I'm completely honoured that it had that effect on people."

Also joining this year's roster — which already includes drawcards aplenty, including Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen, george, Alpine, Urthboy and Ash Grunwald, among others — is a diverse array of acts such as legendary blues act Geoff Achison & The Soul Diggers (with special guest Chris Wilson), folk luminary HOWQUA, PBS FM's Soul Time host Vince Peach and a wealth of troubadours such as Joe Mungovan, Ayleen O'Hanlon, Reuben Stone and Simon Phillips.

That's already a pretty packed spread by any measure but the pre-event fun's not quite over yet — there will be a further two act announcements in the near future, not to mention the inclusion of the ever-growing spread of craft beers, regional produce and family-friendly activities to help sweeten the celebratory pot. For more information, see the festival's website.

Tickets for the 2016 Queenscliff Music Festival — which returns this year from 25-27 November — are on sale now.

Queenscliff Music Festival - 2016 Line-up

In Alphabetical Order

• Abbe May
• Alpine
• Ash Grunwald
• Ayleen O'Hanlon
• Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
• Bobby Alu & The Palm Royale
• Bullhorn
• Doug Anthony Allstars
• Gabriella Cohen
• Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers (with Chris Wilson)
• george
• HOWQUA
• Joe Mungovan
• Jordie Lane & The Sleepers
• Julia Jacklin
• Killing Heidi
• Kira Puru
• Kylie Auldist
• Liz Stringer
• The Meltdown
• Nattali Rize
• Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen
• Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos
• Pierce Brothers
• Quarter Street
• Reuben Stone
• Simon Phillips
• Sweet Jean
• Tullara
• Urthboy
• Vince Peach
• William Crighton